In-situ turbulence measurement technique using state-of-the-art kite/blimp platforms

Ben B. Balsley; Michael L. Jensen; Rod G. Frehlich; Frank D. Eaton; Kenneth P. Bishop; Ronald J. Hugo

doi:10.1117/12.356947

3 August 1999 In-situ turbulence measurement technique using state-of-the-art kite/blimp platforms

Ben B. Balsley, Michael L. Jensen, Rod G. Frehlich, Frank D. Eaton, Kenneth P. Bishop, Ronald J. Hugo

Proceedings Volume 3706, Airborne Laser Advanced Technology II; (1999) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.356947
Event: AeroSense '99, 1999, Orlando, FL, United States

Abstract

Results of a campaign to measure boundary layer/lower troposphere turbulence quantities over New Mexico's Tularosa basin are described in a companion paper. The present contribution outlines the technical developments that enabled these measurements. Basically, instrumented 'payloads' were carried aloft using either a relatively large aerodynamic blimp or a large parafoil kite. The choice between these platforms was dictated by wind velocity. The kite size was determined by the payload weight and the wind velocity. In addition to providing a brief history in CU involvement in kite/blimp atmospheric measurements, we will outline launching methods, tether winching techniques, and payload attachment schemes that were used during the WSMR campaign. Although very low wind conditions during the New Mexico test precluded the use of payloads up and down the kite tether under reasonable wind conditions. We also describe (1) the instrument package designed to measure in- situ temperature and velocity fluctuations, and (2) the 'basic payload' that measures standard atmospheric variables. System operation is illustrated via examples of the resulting data set.

Citation Download Citation

Ben B. Balsley, Michael L. Jensen, Rod G. Frehlich, Frank D. Eaton, Kenneth P. Bishop, and Ronald J. Hugo "In-situ turbulence measurement technique using state-of-the-art kite/blimp platforms", Proc. SPIE 3706, Airborne Laser Advanced Technology II, (3 August 1999); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.356947

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