Research and Development (R&D) is the first step toward developing new and innovative technology and products. By combining creativity, science, and research, we can gain a deeper understanding of the intricate world around us.
Pressure is a physical quantity with significant implications in fields ranging from thermodynamics to solid and fluid mechanics. Accurate pressure measurements are vital in a multitude of subjects, which is why Mensor's precise pressure instruments, such as our pressure transducers, find applications in diverse fields such as oceanography research and aerospace development.
In this article, we’ll explore the far-reaching impact of Mensor's high-quality pressure transducers in the research and development sector.
Wind Tunnel Testing
Adaptable aircraft design is a key focus in advancing future aircraft technology, and it represents an exciting frontier in aerospace research. Morphing aircraft is one step toward the next generation of advanced aircraft and is a leading area of innovative research in aerospace. The concept of the morphing wing, also known as the shape-shifting wing, involves the development of aircraft wings that can change shape during flight to improve aerodynamics, mimicking the adaptability of a bird's wings. The morphing-wing design was once merely a fantasy, but thanks to modern technology, it is closer to becoming a reality.
In April 2022, a research article titled "The Aerodynamic Characteristics of a Diamond Joined-Wing Morphing Aircraft" was published in the International Journal of Aerospace Engineering. The paper presents a unique aircraft design with a diamond joined-wing morphing configuration. This design enables a telescopic support rod to adjust the sweep angles of the front and rear wings during flight.
Compared to traditional morphing aircraft, this configuration would improve performance in transonic and supersonic conditions, enhance lift characteristics in high-aspect ratio situations, and produce less drag during supersonic flight.
The methodology involved a transonic-supersonic wind tunnel test to study the aerodynamics of the diamond-shaped wing design. That's where Mensor's CPT6100 transducer came in. The CPT6100 was used to measure and provide essential data on the absolute and static pressure in the experimental test. But that's not the only wind tunnel test for which Mensor's transducers have been used.
After Purdue University established a transonic fan research facility, studies were conducted to measure the impact of inlet distortion, which refers to the uneven pressure distribution in an engine's inlet. Severe inlet distortion can result in equipment damage, failure, or reduced lifespan. This research employed Mensor's CPT9000 and CPT6100 pressure transducers to gauge the reference pressure.
The development of morphing aircraft represents a crucial direction for advanced aircraft in the future and stands as a leading area of innovative research in the aerospace field. That's why pressure measurement is essential for the development of modern aerospace technology, especially during the research and testing phase. By accurately sensing pressure in wind tunnel testing, Mensor's transducers have become integral to advancing aerospace innovation and design.
Oceanography Research
Ocean exploration has evolved tremendously thanks to recent technological advancements. National Geographic states, "We have seen a technological transition from manned submersibles and spacecraft to satellites, ROVs [Remotely Operated Vehicles] and extraterrestrial probes and rovers."
From advancing underwater ROV technology to improving the efficiency of Extreme Turbulence probes for extreme weather, Mensor's transducers have been instrumental in numerous research and development studies related to oceanography technology.
Mensor’s CPT6100 has been used in multiple studies on measuring the carbon dioxide fluctuations in the ocean and atmosphere (also known as the Eddy Covariance method).
Scientists have been trying to measure how much carbon dioxide (CO2) moves between the air and the sea, which is important for understanding climate change. However, they've encountered a problem: water vapor in the air can interfere with their measurements, sometimes making the results wildly inaccurate.
In the study, “Analysis of the PKT Correction for Direct CO2 Flux Measurements Over the Ocean” scientists have tried two main approaches to solve these issues:
- Using a device called a membrane dryer to remove most of the water vapor before measuring CO2.
- Applying a mathematical correction, the PKT correction, to the data after it's collected.
The researchers tested both methods side by side on the ocean’s surface. They used four CO2 analyzers, two of which were connected to membrane dryers.
Mensor's CPT6100 pressure transducer was a critical component of a sophisticated measurement system. It was used as an external sensor alongside a thermocouple to measure pressure in the sample volumes of the Infrared Gas Analyzers (IRGAs). This precise pressure data was crucial for accurate CO2 concentration and flux calculations. The Mensor transducer was part of a complex setup that included multiple gas analyzers, Nafion membrane dryers, and motion sensors to compensate for ship movement. Operating at a high-frequency data collection rate of 10 Hz, the CPT6100 contributed to the high-resolution measurements required for the detailed analysis of CO2 exchange between air and sea. By providing precise pressure readings, Mensor's transducer helped ensure the overall accuracy and reliability of the study's findings on CO2 flux measurements in the marine environment.
Mensor's transducers are also used to collect weather and ocean data for immediate operational needs and research. They support the World Climate Research Programme and the World Weather Watch Programme. The CPT6020 is used on UW-APL buoys to measure sea surface height (SSH), which helps determine the dynamic ocean topography (DOT). This measurement contributes to real-time information about the Arctic environment and provides insights into climate change. To learn more about the CPT6020's impact on arctic buoys, check out our blog here: Pressure Transducer Application for Measuring Environmental Conditions (mensor.com)
Thermodynamics
The field of thermodynamics is a branch of science that studies the relationship between temperature and energy. Its impact is widespread, touching everything from the inner workings of our vehicles to the electricity that powers our homes. In our previous discussions, we've discussed the interconnected relationship between temperature and pressure. Now, let's explore how these factors can be harnessed to positively impact the world around us.
In 2023, the article titled "Cryogenic Solid Solubility Measurements for HFC-32 + CO2 Binary Mixtures at Temperatures Between (132 and 217) K" was published in the International Journal of Thermophysics. The purpose of the study was to gather data for the development of new environmentally friendly refrigerant systems with an 80% reduction in global warming potential.
The new data and model in this work will help prevent solid buildup in cryogenic applications of the HFC-32 + CO2 binary system. This will encourage the use of more environmentally friendly refrigerant mixtures. The research involved blending hydrofluorocarbons, refrigerants that are less harmful to the ozone layer, with CO2 to improve the refrigerant's cooling properties. At the time of this study, no experimental SFE data had been reported at elevated pressures for the binary system.
Mensor's CPT9000 was utilized as a reference to ensure the accuracy of pressure sensor readings for the gas pressures. In the apparatus validation, the text stated that the pressure sensor's readings for the pure N2 gas at pressures between (0.1 and 23) MPa were validated against the values measured by Mensor’s reference pressure transducer. It was determined that the readings from the two pressure sensors within the tested pressure range were consistent within the standard uncertainties of the sensors.
This study is just one of many thermodynamic and cryogenic studies conducted using Mensor's pressure Transducers. It is inspiring to know that Mensor's transducers are contributing to scientific discovery and innovation in the R&D sector.
The Dynamic Method in Flow Measurement
While pressure transducers are crucial in various fields, their application in flow measurement deserves special attention. One innovative approach in this area is the dynamic flying start-stop method, which has been implemented in the pVTt gas flow standard. This method represents a significant advancement over traditional static methods, offering potential improvements in accuracy and efficiency.
In January 2023, Dr. Gregor Bobovnik from the University of Ljubljana published a intriguing study on this method (Žibret et al., 2023). The pVTt (pressure, volume, temperature, and time) gas flow standard is used for measuring gas flow rates by determining the change in gas density within a constant volume over a defined time. While static methods are more commonly practiced, Dr. Bobovnik's research explored the dynamic approach, applying an analytical correction model to predict temperature changes during gas mass collection.
Mensor's pressure transducers played a crucial role in this research. The study utilized Mensor's CPG2500 and CPT9000 for absolute and differential pressure measurements, respectively. These high-precision instruments provided the real-time digital data necessary for implementing the dynamic method.
The results were promising, showing that the dynamic method could be successfully implemented and potentially offer a more reliable and accurate alternative to static methods. This advancement has implications across various fields where precise flow measurement is critical:
- Aerospace: In wind tunnel testing, more accurate flow measurements can lead to improved aircraft designs, including the morphing aircraft concepts discussed earlier.
- Oceanography: Enhanced flow measurement techniques could contribute to better understanding of ocean currents and their role in climate systems.
- Thermodynamics: Improved gas flow measurements can lead to more efficient cooling systems, building on the cryogenic research mentioned previously.
While the study demonstrated the potential of the dynamic method, it also highlighted areas for future research. There's a need to explore its application across a wider range of flow rates and conditions, and to conduct more in-depth uncertainty analyses.
As flow measurement techniques continue to evolve, Mensor’s transducers will likely play an increasingly vital role in various R&D sectors, contributing to advancements in technology and our understanding of complex systems.
Mensor's transducers are not only versatile tools but the cornerstone of precision and reliability across diverse industries. Mensor's commitment to quality reverberates throughout the scientific community, with numerous studies testifying to the trust in these precision instruments. Mensor serves as silent partners to the brilliant minds pushing the boundaries of what's possible, fueling the engine of scientific discovery and technological innovation.
We invite you to explore Mensor's comprehensive range of transducers. Within this collection lies the key to advancing your industry-specific endeavors, empowering you to achieve new heights of accuracy and reliability. With Mensor, you're not just measuring; you're pioneering the future of precision. For more information, contact Mensor at 1-800-984-4200 or visit our website at www.mensor.com
Citations
Cusator, A.C., et al. "Development of a Transonic Fan Research Facility Focused on Casing Treatments and Inlet Distortion Effects." Proceedings of the ASME Turbo Expo 2024: Turbomachinery Technical Conference and Exposition, vol. 12A, ASME, 2024, doi:10.1115/GT2024-126747.
Eckman, R.M., et al. "A Pressure-Sphere Anemometer for Measuring Turbulence and Fluxes in Hurricanes." Journal of Atmospheric and Oceanic Technology, vol. 24, no. 6, 2007, pp. 994-1007, doi:10.1175/JTECH2025.1.
Landwehr, S., et al. "Analysis of the PKT Correction for Direct CO2 Flux Measurements over the Ocean." Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics, vol. 14, no. 7, 2014, pp. 3361-3372, doi:10.5194/acp-14-3361-2014.
Lee, Yoongeon, et al. "A Study on the Development of Underwater Robot Control System for Autonomous Grasping." The Journal of Korea Robotics Society, vol. 15, no. 1, 2020, pp. 39-47.
Miao, Shuai, et al. "The Aerodynamic Characteristics of a Diamond Joined‐Wing Morphing Aircraft." International Journal of Aerospace Engineering, vol. 2022, 2022, Article ID 1467310, doi:10.1155/2022/1467310.
National Geographic. "Ocean Exploration: Technology." Education, National Geographic, education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/ocean-exploration/. Accessed 11 Oct. 2024.
Sadaghiani, M.S., et al. "Cryogenic Solid Solubility Measurements for HFC-32 + CO2 Binary Mixtures at Temperatures Between (132 and 217) K." International Journal of Thermophysics, vol. 44, no. 9, 2023, Article 135, doi:10.1007/s10765-023-03243-w.
Sampson, Catherine C., et al. "Measurements of Solidification Kinetics for Benzene in Methane at High Pressures and Cryogenic Temperatures." Chemical Engineering Journal, vol. 407, 2021, Article 127086, doi:10.1016/j.cej.2020.127086.
Žibret, P., et al. "Implementation of the Dynamic Flying Start-Stop Method in the pVTt Gas Flow Standard." ResearchGate, www.researchgate.net. Accessed 11 Oct. 2024.
