3D Reconstruction methoid for thermographic phosphor thermotry measurements

Principal Investigator: Shabnam Mohammadshahi, Ph.D.

Affiliation/Dept: New Mexico State University, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Description: Aerospace systems often experience rapid and localized heating due to extreme thermal
environments encountered during high-speed flows, combustion, and mechanical stresses.
Traditional temperature measurement techniques, such as thermocouples and infrared
thermography, face challenges with implementation on complex, curved surfaces and sensitivity
to environmental factors. This project proposes a new diagnostic approach that combines threedimensional (3D) surface reconstruction with a non-contact optical method known as lifetimebased
Thermographic Phosphor Thermometry (TPT). This technique uses phosphor materials
that emit temperature-dependent light when excited by ultraviolet radiation, allowing for
accurate, full-field surface temperature measurements. The project has three main objectives:
(1) calibrate phosphor materials across a known temperature range, (2) examine how different
viewing and lighting angles influence measurement accuracy, and (3) apply the combined 3DTPT
method to aerodynamic shapes such as spheres and cones under controlled airflow
conditions. These efforts will culminate in preliminary testing within a Mach 5 shock tunnel to
simulate hypersonic environments. The work will be carried out over four quarters, as listed in
the following table: initial quarters will focus on calibration and angle analysis, followed by
implementation in subsonic and supersonic test facilities. Two undergraduate students will
participate in all stages and present results at the APS and ASME conferences. The proposed
work will enhance temperature diagnostic capabilities for complex aerospace surfaces and
contribute to the development of safer, more efficient thermal protection systems for high-speed
flight.

Analysis of turbulent boundary layer flow under pressure gradient

Principal Investigator: Tie Wei, Ph.D.

Affiliation/Dept: New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, Department of Mechanical Engineering

Description: This proposal aims to investigate the structure of turbulent boundary layers (TBL) underpressure gradient conditions—an essential focus in fluid dynamics with broad applications across engineering disciplines. Turbulent boundary layers are key in determining heat flux during hypersonic flight, which is critical for the design of re-entry vehicles. They also influence spacecraft re-entry dynamics and atmospheric flows, areas of direct relevance to NASA’s Earth observation and climate missions. A deeper understanding of TBL behavior can inform more efficient and environmentally sustainable vehicle designs. Our research will perform theoretical analyses, supported by direct numerical simulation (DNS) data, to investigate how pressure gradients influence TBL structure. This approach will provide comprehensive insights into the complex interplay between pressure gradients and TBL properties, contributing to advances in both fluid dynamics theory and engineering design. The
study’s findings will improve our ability to predict critical parameters, such as skin friction and heat
transfer, which are essential for optimizing aerodynamic systems, including aircraft wings and wind
turbines, for enhanced performance and efficiency. Ultimately, this research seeks to demystify the
complexities of turbulent boundary layers under pressure gradients, laying the groundwork for
innovative engineering solutions and supporting NASA’s mission objectives.

Engineering to study the impact of radiation on the resolution of AC-coupled LGAD detectors for space science

Principal Investigator: Sally Seidel, Ph.D.

Affiliation/Dept: University of New Mexico, Department of Physics and Astronomy

Description: This proposal concerns the development of AC-coupled low gain avalanche detectors, which are able to image the trajectory of charged particles in space with excellent timing resolution and increasingly good radiation hardness, with fill factor close to 100%. We will evaluate state of the art prototype ACLGADs for timing resolution, as a function of their exposure to ionizing and non-ionizing radiation at levels relevant to space exploration. This study will develop measurement protocols and use them to evaluate the timing response of 3x3 or 4x4 arrays of AC-LGADs, allowing increasingly realistic
extrapolation to eventual full-size detectors

Supersonic Indraft Wind Tunnel for Aerospace Research and Workforce Development

Principal Investigator: Andreas Gross, Ph.D.

Affiliation/Dept: New Mexico State University, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Description: Funding is requested to support the development and implementation of a supersonic indraft
tunnel at the Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Department at New Mexico State University. The tunnel fills a gap in the existing wind tunnel infrastructure and will permit
research in two key NASA research areas, supersonic civil transport aircraft and entry, descent, and landing of civil spacecraft. By closing the gap and building research capacity, chances of bringing in research funding will be increased substantially, and student education and training will be enhanced, thus strengthening the aerospace workforce development
pipeline. Compared to supersonic blow-down facilities, indraft tunnels are inexpensive to construct and operate and they are safe. Existing instrumentation can be shared with another high-speed facility. The tunnel supports four faculty (two of which are new hires) in experimental fluid dynamics by providing them the ability to carry out supersonic research. The proposed tunnel also expands the experimental research infrastructure in New Mexico with a multitude of benefits including government lab and industry collaborations and new business developments.