Analysis of Tangent FLEET Velocimetry for High-Speed Axisymmetric Flow-Fields Using CFD Produced Synthetic Data

Laminar and turbulent CFD solutions of hypersonic flow around a hollow-cylinder model are used in tandem with a synthetic formulation of femtosecond laser electronic excitation tagging (FLEET) velocimetry to understand the parametric sensitivities and possible limitations of the tangent MTV method for boundary layer measurements. Velocity profiles obtained from the synthetic tangent MTV experiments are compared to exact CFD counterparts and previous experimental data to understand how boundary layer velocity profiles, inferred boundary layer thickness, and determined skin-friction are affected by beam alignment, beam parameters, and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). Uncertainty in the measurement technique and parametric sensitivity is analyzed using a Monte Carlo simulation. Recommendations for the future use of tangentially oriented MTV techniques are provided based on the results. This synthetic data framework also provides a means for CFD and experimental data to be compared in a manner that removes analysis bias while better reflecting measurement uncertainties and limitations.