Next Up: AAE 880 Seminar Lecture Series

Dr. Altman is next featured Aerospace Seminar speaker

All dates for this event occur in the past.

311 Bolz Hall
2036 Neil Ave Mall
Columbus, OH 43210
United States

"Identification of Any Aircraft by Its Unique Turbulent Wake Signature"

Abstract
The theoretical groundwork for the detection of any aircraft from its unique turbulent wake signature will be discussed, and practical methods to implement this theoretical result will be recommended. During the mid-1990s, NASA conducted research on the detection of atmospheric turbulence using light detection and ranging equipment.

 
This light detection and ranging technology was able to detect turbulent disturbances by the Doppler shift in the frequency of laser-emitted energy that is scattered from atmospheric aerosols. Using this technology, the detection of turbulent disturbances physically created by the passage of aircraft through the atmosphere can be developed.
 
Traditional aircraft detection methods include pulse-Doppler radar systems that measure the frequency shift of radio frequency signals reflected off the skin of an aircraft. This method is currently being defeated by stealth technology. In a military application, light detection and ranging turbulent detection would be able to spot the unconcealable turbulent disturbances caused by aircraft, thereby defeating current stealth technology. In addition, research suggests that turbulent wake generators (i.e., aircraft) have unique turbulent energy signatures. Using the principles of turbulent self-preservation, models can be created to predict both the Reynolds stress and momentum defect signatures of aircraft as a function of their altitude and airspeed. By using statistical analysis of the turbulent wake, the Reynolds stress or momentum defect can be compared with computed models to determine the identity of the aircraft being targeted. The theoretical and practical manner in which this can be achieved is discussed, and examples of aircraft ranging from the F-15, F-16, F-18, and B-52 are provided.

 
 
Bio
Dr. Altman knew he was destined for a life of experimentation when at the age of 11 years he apprenticed at an automobile engine rebuilding shop in Miami, Florida for duration of 11 years. Dr. Altman received his bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering with a second major in Applied Mathematics from Tulane University in New Orleans. He then moved to the University of Texas at Austin where he received a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering with a focus on Aerodynamics and a Master's thesis in Rarefied Hypersonic flow. After finishing a PhD in aerospace vehicle design at Cranfield University in the UK, Dr. Altman moved to Toulouse, France to work for Airbus France where he worked on the A340-600 and A380. Aaron came to the University of Dayton in the Fall of 2002. At this time he began the experimental investigation of low Reynolds number aerodynamics.
 
He has investigated Micro Air Vehicles, Flapping Wing Aerodynamics, Morphing Wing Air Vehicles, Airfoil/Wing/Configuration Aerodynamics, High Angle of Attack Aerodynamics, Low speed/Low Reynolds Number Aerodynamics, Propeller Aerodynamics, Unsteady Aerodynamics, Vortical/Vortex Flows, Wind Tunnel Aerodynamic Testing, Wind Turbine Aerodynamics, Road Vehicle Aerodynamics, Conceptual Aircraft Design, and is a practitioner of a few Experimental Optical Flow Diagnostics.