Quantitative heat transfer measurements in hypersonic wind tunnels by means of infrared thermography

A description of infrared thermography, as this is used in a hypersonic blowdown wind tunnel for the acquisition of high-quality two-dimensional heat transfer data over aerodynamic surfaces, is given. The emphasis is on the accuracy of the measurements, and the advantages and limitations of the technique relative to standard discrete point heat transfer gauges. Following on outline of the experimental setup, the performance capabilities of the measurement system are discussed and illustrated through a selection of results