Benchmark Tests of the Pressure Sensitive Paint Systems Developed within the European Windtunnel Association (EWA)

Abstract

A description of a series of benchmark tests that has been undertaken on the PSP systems currently under development within the European Windtunnel Association (EWA) is given. These systems are used to provide global surface pressure measurements on models tested in European wind tunnels. Systems utilising the intensity and lifetime techniques were included in these tests. The test programme was specified to investigate all aspects of system performance under accurate laboratory conditions, e.g. accuracy and the speed of data processing, and also issues that are experienced with system use, e.g. reflection and temperature hysterysis effects. The tests also included an investigation of calibration chamber performance. Analysis of the acquired data has demonstrated a high capability in the use of the PSP technique within the EWA community