Cutting Edge Research and Development

Aerometrics is able to remain at the forefront of LDV and PDPA technology because we receive funding by many organizations to further these technologies. We also receive funding to develop new technologies, such as those described below:

In-situ Temperature Measurements

Aerometrics researchers have successfully combined a temperature measurement system with the PDPA. The staff used a rainbow refractometry technique for in-situ measurement of index of refraction. Using index of refraction, the system can derive temperature, composition, concentration, and other particle characteristics which are influenced by index of refraction. The staff utilized the existing PDPA hardware so that few additional components were required.

Microgravity Studies

The research staff is currently studying the behavior of single droplets burning at near zero gravity, such as fuel droplets that might be present in rocket engines. This research is funded by the NASA Lewis Research Center. A droplet generator is being developed as well as temperature measurement and sizing instrumentation. These studies are currently in progress.

Laser-assisted Driving

Aerometrics’ researchers developed a technology to improve vehicle operations. The “Lane Tracker” was developed to warn drivers when their vehicles were potentially driving off the roadway. The technique involves detecting the distance between the vehicle and existing lane markers such as painted lines and reflective dots. A laser is used to scan the side of the vehicle and to receive signals from these markers. If implemented, this technology will save lives and be cost effective as it uses markers already present in many roads.

Additional Noteworthy Projects

In conjunction with NASA Langley several light sheet projectors offering manual or automatic focus control were delivered. Holographic imaging and interferometry systems have been built and are used in NASA wind tunnels and ballistic ranges. The company also collaborated with NASA Ames to produce a Point Diffraction Interferometer for measuring gas phase temperature, and a skin friction interferometer. Imaging systems for cavitation studies are currently being developed. For more information about the many other research projects Aerometrics has completed please feel free to contact us.