Fundamental and Experimental Aerodynamics

PSP, Pressure Sensitive Paint

Measuring pressure with luminescent coatings is known by the acronym PSP, standing for Pressure Sensitive Paint. This method is based on the attenuation by oxygen of the luminescence emitted by certain excited molecules in the visible or ultraviolet spectrums. The higher the pressure, the higher the partial pressure of the oxygen and the more the intensity emitted by the coating is attenuated. Then all that is needed is measure the intensity of the emission to measure the pressure.

This optical method can be used to measure the pressure field on models placed in a wind tunnel. It means that the models do not have to be equipped with pressure sensors, and thereby reduces production times.

Here, we present two PSP applications:

• at hypersonic speed
• at low speeds

Last Update: 5 June 2006 - © ONERA 2009 - Terms of use