Isokinetic Total Water Content Probe in a Naturally Aspirating Configuration: Initial Aerodynamic Design and Testing

Abstract

Recent measurements in wind tunnel and flight experiments have demonstrated that water loss prior to complete evaporation is possible for the hot-wire total water content probes. Other cloud water content probes similarly have their own operating problems. To enhance the efficiency of water particle capture and water mass retention, isokinetic sampling is appealing. The probe described in this paper represents an extension of a concept that was developed and tested through the then RAE Farnborough, UK. The intention is to quantify and minimize possible departures from isokinetic sampling during operation - something that is difficult to achieve in the original RAE configuration. This paper describes the design methodologies and the experiments that have been performed to characterize the aerodynamic performance of the prototype.