Analytical and experimental study of statistical bias in laser velocimetry

An experimental investigation was performed using a confined, subsonic air jet to examine statistical bias in velocity parameters determined by averaging individual realization laser velocimeter (IRLV) data. No consistent bias is evident in comparisons in either mean velocities or turbulent intensities determined from LV data and pitot or hot-wire probes. The same lack of bias is evident when mean velocities or turbulent intensities determined from randomly sampled IRLV data are compared with the original LV results. It is concluded that a significant statistical bias does not exist in all IRLV velocity measurements.