Air Data Probe Turbulence Surface for High Altitude Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Air data probes experience inconsistent measurement errors at high altitudes, Mach numbers, and angles of attack due to sensitivity to manufacturing variables, leading to variations in static pressure readings.
Innovation Solution
An air data probe design featuring a turbulence-inducing surface, such as a serrated surface or annular depression, is introduced to trip the fluid boundary layer from laminar to turbulent, reducing boundary layer separation and ensuring consistent readings. The serrated surface is configured around the probe head, with serrations at opposing angles and distributed roughness elements, and can be manufactured using a secondary machining process without altering the primary machining process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional smooth probe surfaces are used, then manufacturing is simpler, but boundary layer separation occurs at high altitudes causing measurement inconsistencies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by introducing turbulence-inducing surfaces (serrations, grooves, or ridges) only in specific regions of the probe head where boundary layer control is needed, rather than making the entire probe complex. This localized modification trips the boundary layer to turbulent flow, preventing separation at high altitudes while maintaining simplicity elsewhere in the device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the surface roughness parameter of the probe head by adding turbulence-inducing features. This parameter change transitions the boundary layer from laminar to turbulent flow, which remains attached at higher angles of attack and altitudes, thereby improving measurement reliability without requiring fundamental design changes.
2Measurement precision
If turbulence-inducing surfaces are added to the probe, then boundary layer separation is reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The turbulence-inducing surface is segmented into discrete features (serrations, grooves, or ridges) with specific geometries. These segmented features can be manufactured using standard machining operations, and their dimensions are optimized to trip the boundary layer effectively while remaining compatible with conventional manufacturing processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The turbulence-inducing surface features are designed as simple geometric modifications that can be added during standard probe fabrication. These features use minimal material and can be incorporated into the probe manufacturing process without requiring expensive specialized equipment or processes, making them cost-effective to produce.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The turbulence-inducing surface effectively transitions the fluid boundary layer to turbulent, reducing separation and ensuring consistent pressure measurements at high altitudes and angles of attack, thereby improving the accuracy and reliability of air data probe readings.
Implementation Method 1
The turbulence inducing surface is configured and adapted to trip a fluid boundary layer passing over the probe head to transition from laminar to turbulent
Implementation Method 2
control or reduce boundary layer separation resulting in consistent readings at high altitudes
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
An air data probe (100; 200) includes a probe head (102; 202) defining a longitudinal axis (A) with a forward tip (104; 202), and a turbulence inducing surface (106; 206) defined in the probe head aft of the forward tip. The turbulence inducing surface is configured and adapted to trip a fluid boundary layer passing over the probe head to transition from laminar to turbulent to control or reduce boundary layer separation resulting in consistent readings at high altitudes.