ISU Mach 2 Supersonic Wind Tunnel

1) Supersonic Flow Effects and Flow Visualization

• Force predictions and experimental validation of convergent and convergent-divergent micro nozzles

• Studying the effects of impinging supersonic shocks onto a boundary layer

• Flow analysis using density-based visualization techniques such as Schlieren/Shadowgraph, Background Oriented Schlieren (BOS), and Schlieren Image Velocimetry (SIV)

• Using particle-based techniques for flow field measurements, such as Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) and the higher resolution Single-Pixel PIV

• In the future, making advancements in seedless systems such as Molecular Tagging Velocimetry (MTV)

• Experimenting and developing seedless techniques using Optical Flow Velocimetry (OFV)

2) Improvements in Propeller Design and Flow Field Visualization

• Incorporating toroidal propellers and comparing with 4-bladed props with identical properties

• Measuring Forward Flight Efficiency and Figure of Merit to develop propellers for hybrid UAVs

• Analyzing the flow field using high-speed PIV involves various incoming flow angles

• Using DBD Plasma as a method of reducing the icing effects on propellers

• Adjusting propeller designs for adverse weather and acoustic reduction