A new laser based flow interrogation system, capable of simultaneous measurement of planar three-component velocity data, was constructed and tested. The Virginia Tech Doppler Global Velocimeter (DGV) system was designed for use in the Virginia Tech Stability Wind Tunnel as a tool for investigating complex three-dimensional separated flow regions. The systems was designed for robustness, ease of use, and for acquisition of low uncertainty velocity data. A series of tests in the Stability Tunnel were conducted to determine the how well the new DGV system met these goals. Extensive calibration tests proved the system is capable of measuring the frequency shifts of scattered laser light, and therefore velocity. However, equipment failures and inadequate flow seed density prevented accurate velocity measurements in the separated wake region behind a 6:1 prolate spheroid. Detailed uncertainty analysis techniques demonstrated that, under the proper conditions, the system is capable of making velocity measurements with approximately +/- 2m/s uncertainty. / Master of Science

Repairs and modifications were made to a flow velocity measurement system designed to measure a planar area of unsteady three component velocities in a single realization using a velocity measurement technique referred to as Doppler Global Velocimetry (DGV). Several hardware components in the system were modified and new hardware was added. Significant improvements were made to the procedures used in acquiring DGV data as well as the procedures used in reducing the acquired DGV data. Though hardware problems were encountered, successful iodine cell calibrations were acquired and attempts were made to acquire DGV velocity data from a calibration wheel and in the wake of a 6:1 prolate spheroid. These attempts were hampered by poor performance of the Nd:YAG laser and one of the digital cameras used in this research. While the magnitudes of the velocities acquired from the calibration wheel were noticeably higher than those calculated from the angular velocity and large fluctuations were present in these reduced velocities, the general trends measured by the VT DGV system matched those calculated from the angular velocity. The attempt to acquire flow field data in the wake of a 6:1 prolate spheroid model was unsuccessful due to insufficient seed particle density in the area where data were to be obtained. The results of this research indicate that while significant improvements have been made to the system, there are still some significant problems to overcome. / Master of Science