The use of liquid crystals for surface flow visualization
Abstract
The use of shear-sensitive liquid crystals has become an established technique for diagnostic flow visualization. This technique has been demonstrated to illustrate laminar boundary-layer transition, laminar bubbles, shocks, and separation in flight and wind-tunnel environments. Typical results demonstrate the range of flow features which can be illustrated and some of the challenges and pitfalls which must be addressed. A few remaining issues are discussed which should be resolved to develop this technique to full maturity.
- Publication:
-
AIAA, Space Programs and Technologies Conference
- Pub Date:
- June 1990
- Bibcode:
- 1990aiaa.confQS...S
- Keywords:
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- Boundary Layer Transition;
- Flow Visualization;
- Laminar Boundary Layer;
- Liquid Crystals;
- Bubbles;
- Flight Tests;
- Wind Tunnel Tests;
- Instrumentation and Photography