MWIR assessment of hypersonic models in flight: first results from a new calibrated high-definition stop-motion solution

A newly developed imaging system capable of producing radiometrically accurate stop-motion infrared measurements for the assessment of hypervelocity targets in-flight has proven successful in two recently completed data collection campaigns utilizing light-gas guns. Effects observed include full temperature gradient information, location of stagnation regions, identification of shock interactions, and visualization of turbulent structures. In both cases, high emissivity thermoplastic cylinders were fired and imaged in-flight utilizing a modified Telops M3 Super HD MWIR Camera. Peak velocities captured exceed Mach 20 (>7km/s). Notably, a prominent wake is observed behind the projectiles and the turbulent structures there-in are also uniquely visible due to the high-definition stop-motion nature of this solution, and an appreciable IR signature from particulates pyrolyzed off the targets during flight. Quantification and visualization of these data points and phenomena are first of their kind assessments which provide significant new resources to researchers and labs in the hypersonics community.