Inventors:
Robert C. Loschke - Glendale CA
James D. Revell - Burbank CA
Frank J. Balena - Saugus CA
Floyd O. Hickmon - Los Angeles CA
Assignee:
Lockheed Corporation - Calabasas CA
International Classification:
G01F 1300, G01C 2100
Abstract:
The invention is a system for determining the physical characteristics of an incident fluid flow stream over a surface of a vehicle relative to an axis thereof, the apparatus. In detail, the invention includes at least one first pressure sensor mounted on the surface, the at least one first pressure sensor for receiving dynamic pressure signals generated by the convected boundary layer of the fluid flow stream and providing an output signal representative thereof. At least one array of second pressure sensors (pressure transducers) is positioned down stream of the at least one first pressure sensors, the second sensors of the at least one array each of said second pressure sensors providing a second output signal representative of the above pressure signals received thereby. A computer system is adapted to receive the first and second signals and to calculate the angular direction of the fluid flow relative to the axis and the velocity thereof.