Flow Study on the Anemometers of the Perseverance Based on Towing Tank Visualization

Abstract

Flow visualization is necessary in fields such as engineering, since it allows us to know what is happening around the element being studied by means of a preliminary method, although it is relatively close to future research and computation methodology. The present project studies the interference at the anemometers of the Mars rover Perseverance, caused by the mast holding one of its cameras. After obtaining the model, manufactured by a 3D printer, it was placed inside a hydrodynamic towing tank, and red dye was added for a visual observation of the interference during the experiment. A comparison was made between the results achieved and those seen in a wind tunnel, realizing the high correlation they have. Finally, this paper promotes the use of the hydrodynamic towing tank in preliminary studies due to its low costs, considering the adequate comparison with other higher precision methodologies.