Development of the model deformation system at the National Transonic Facility
Timothy W. Fahringer, Loc Tran, David Keck · 2024
This paper describes the model deformation system currently being developed for the National Transonic Facility at NASA Langley Research Center. The photogrammetry system uses up to eight networked cameras that are time synced with an external hardware trigger. Separate software modules allow for image and tunnel-data acquisition, camera calibration, and model deformation analysis to be performed in the NTF. A description of each module and the algorithms used therein are discussed. The first live test of the system on tail cone thruster model is detailed and results shown. Additionally, several areas of potential improvement are addressed and future plans presented.