Techniques for using pressure-sensitive paint in shock tunnel facilities

Full-field surface pressures were measured in a small-scale, low pressure-ratio shock tube using a fast-response pressure-sensitive paint (PSP). Various issues regarding the PSP formulation, measurement uncertainty, and optical system design are discussed in detail. The pressure measurements were acquired during 15 ms time-envelopes of steady flow conditions following the passage of normal shocks and expansion regions. The PSP response time was on the order of 3 to 6 ms. Overall uncertainties in the pressure measurements ranged between 3 and 5% over a one atmosphere pressure range.