Holographic sensor for measurement of wall velocity gradients

Time-resolved measurements of skin friction and boundary layer turbulence are important to the design of more fuel efficient aircraft. In this paper we describe the design and testing of a holographic fan fringe sensor that can non-intrusively measure time-resolved velocity gradients near an aerodynamic surface. The holographic sensor produces a set of optical interference fringes inside the viscous sub-layer that form a fan rather than a linear array. Particles scattering light in the sub-layer produce a Doppler frequency that is a direct measurement of the velocity gradient and is proportional to aerodynamic shear stress and skin friction. The holographic recording condenses the optics necessary to form the fringes into a small 3-5 mm package, eliminates the need for optical access from behind the model, and produces a compact and robust sensor.