Static and Wind-on Performance of Polymer-Based Pressure-Sensitive Paints Using Platinum and Ruthenium as the...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Aerodynamics
• Optical Measurement Techniques

Background:

• Pressure-sensitive paints (PSPs) are optical tools for surface pressure measurement.
• Developing PSPs with enhanced stability and performance is crucial for aerodynamic testing.
• Existing PSPs can suffer from photobleaching or degradation under operational conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the static and wind-on performance of two new polymer-based PSPs.
• To characterize the pressure and temperature sensitivity of these PSPs.
• To assess the photo-degradation rate and long-term stability of the PSPs.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis and formulation of two polymer-based PSPs utilizing specific luminophores (platinum tetrakis (pentafluorophenyl) porphyrin and tris-bathophenanthroline ruthenium II).
• Static characterization of pressure and temperature sensitivity.
• Wind tunnel testing to assess performance under aerodynamic loading and repeated exposure.
• Analysis of normalized intensity ratios over multiple wind tunnel runs.

Main Results:

• Both polymer-based PSPs exhibited measurable pressure and temperature sensitivity.
• A decrease in the normalized intensity ratio was observed with an increasing number of wind tunnel runs for both PSPs.
• The observed degradation suggests a potential issue with luminophore stability under airflow.

Conclusions:

• The developed polymer-based PSPs show potential for aerodynamic measurements but require further investigation into their long-term stability.
• The degradation observed in wind tunnel tests indicates that the luminophore may be susceptible to removal or deactivation by the airflow.
• Future research should focus on improving the durability and operational lifetime of these PSPs for reliable aerodynamic applications.