title: Diode laser-based air mass flux sensor for subsonic aeropropulsion inlets.
abstract: An optical air mass flux sensor based on a compact, room-temperature diode laser in a fiber-coupled delivery system has been tested on a full-scale gas turbine engine. The sensor is based on simultaneous measurements of O(2) density and Doppler-shifted velocity along a line of sight across the inlet duct. Extensive tests spanning engine power levels from idle to full afterburner demonstrate accuracy and precision of the order of 1-2% of full scale in density, velocity, and mass flux. The precision-limited velocity at atmospheric pressure was as low as 40 cm/s. Multiple data-reduction procedures are quantitatively compared to suggest optimal strategies for flight sensor packages.
authors.forename: M F
authors.initials: MF
authors.lastname: Miller
authors.forename: W J
authors.initials: WJ
authors.lastname: Kessler
authors.forename: M G
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: Allen