There is a need for experimental techniques that have low cost and rapid turnaround. It is also necessary to obtain quantitative information from such a method. Previous methods are either lacking in quantitative information such as dye or smoke injection, or require considerable set-up and cost such as PIV (particle image velocimetry). A method was developed for visualizing the pressure contours for a turbine cascade in real time to enable rapid evaluation of new concepts. A method for quantitative 3D flow visualization also was developed.

The unique capability for real-time concept development and analysis was demonstrated using a Microsoft Xbox Kinect, infrared thermography, and a water table. The water table was set up and instrumented with an Xbox Kinect sensor and a projector. The Xbox Kinect detected the water height of the free surface in real time. A computer processed the information to obtain pressure ratios, and the projection system projected the results back onto the water surface in real time. This enabled the researcher to view in real time the pressure distribution around an airfoil or geometry of interest.

3D printer models enable modularity and hot-swapping of concepts. Heated food dye was then injected into the airfoils and allowed to seep into the flow via ports on the airfoils. An infrared camera visualized the heated dye. Images from the infrared thermography can be used to extract quantitative and qualitative information about the flow such as temperature, velocity, and density, thus introducing a new class of seedless velocimetry. This new class of quantitative flow visualization is currently being developed at Glenn using a focused Schlieren technique.

This work was done by Vikram Shyam, Sameer Kulkarni, Herbert Schilling, and Adam Wroblewski of Glenn Research Center.

NASA Glenn Research Center seeks to transfer mission technology to benefit U.S. industry. NASA invites inquiries on licensing or collaborating on this technology for commercial applications. For more information, please contact NASA Glenn Research Center’s technology transfer program at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or visit us on the Web at https://technology.grc.nasa.gov/ . Please reference LEW-19183-1.