Plasma Anemometer

Spectral Energies’ High-Bandwidth Plasma Anemometer, developed in collaboration with the University of Notre Dame, has the capability to measure gas properties (currently velocity and pressure) at temperatures approaching 2000 C and up to hypersonic Mach numbers. The Plasma Anemometer uses a low-power electrical discharge as the main sensing element. AC power is used to drive the discharge between two electrodes separated by a small air gap. Control is via current-feedback to maintain the plasma operating point.

Applications

• Direct replacement of Kulite for gas-turbine instrumentation
• High speed boundary layer measurements
• Replacement for hot-wire in high-enthalpy flows

Features

• Frequency response in excess of 1 MHz
• Small spatial volumes
• Temperature rated to 2000 C