Revealing Fluid Dynamics in Flight through Schlieren Photography
Despite the stunning scenes produced of aircraft in various stages of flight, many aspects of aviation in general and aerodynamics in particular often remain invisible to the naked eye. Airflow patterns, pressure distribution and shock waves, for example, all occur right in front of us as we sit in our window seats, yet all go unnoticed.
NASA, however, has shed some light on some of these phenomena through a powerful imaging technique known as schlieren photography. By capturing how light bends through various air densities, this method of photography reveals the intricate fluid dynamics that flow around wings and airframes.
In these stunning images, NASA has captured some of the most dramatic airflow and compression effects around Northrop T-38 Talon aircraft traveling at supersonic speeds. The first image shows a pair of T-38s racing past an airborne King Air turboprop photo ship traveling at subsonic speeds, while the second image features a lone T-38, as seen from the ground. In each photo, color has been added to better visualize the air and pressure effects created by supersonic flight.
Topics Related To: MODERN AVIATION
First Boeing T-7A Red Hawk Delivered to Air Force
The first production Boeing T-7A Red Hawk was delivered to the US Air Force on September 14, 2023. Intended to replace the aging Northrop T-38 Talon that first flew in 1959, the Red Hawk will provide a modern supersonic flight training platform for fighter and bomber pilots.
Discover National Intercollegiate Flying Association Competitions
Every year, some of the nation’s best and brightest new pilots descend upon otherwise sleepy municipal airports to participate in intense flight competitions. These aren’t competitions involving daredevil stunts or high-speed passes with afterburners, and no spectators line up to enjoy the show. These are collegiate flight competitions in which aviation students harness their skills and strive to fly as…
Diverse Destinations: Private Flying into Antarctica
Private aviation is all about access and convenience. The capabilities of modern business aircraft enable owners to leapfrog continents and oceans while utilizing tens of thousands of smaller airports in every corner of the globe. Indeed, the only limit at play the majority of the time is one’s imagination.
