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
Three Tips to Make Your First Trip to EAA AirVenture a Great One
AirVenture is more than just an airshow. Billed as “The World’s Largest Aviation Celebration” by its host, the Experimental Aircraft Association, the event lives up to its name and has served as a hub of the general aviation community since its debut in 1953.
New Hondajet HA-480 Echelon Private Jet Progressing Toward First Flight
With construction of the first experimental example well underway, development of Honda’s new Echelon private jet continues to progress toward the new aircraft’s first flight, targeted for 2026.
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.
