Analysis Of Optical Turbulence Evolution Over The Space Shuttle Landing Facility

Keywords

atmospheric refractive index structure parameter; Atmospheric turbulence; HAP; Kolmogorov; outer scale; scintillation; scintillometer; sonic anemometer

Abstract

Ground to air temperature gradients drive the creation and evolution of optical turbulence in the atmospheric boundary layer. Ground composition is an important factor when observing and measuring the generated optical turbulence. Surface roughness and thermal characteristics influence the formation of optical turbulence eddies. The Space Shuttle Landing Facility (SLF) at The Kennedy Space Center offers a unique opportunity to measure the generation and evolution of these turbulent eddies, while also providing a temperature gradient "Step Function" after which turbulence evolution can be analyzed. We present the analysis of data collected on the SLF during May of 2018. Mobile towers instrumented with sonic anemometers are used to examine the statistics of turbulent eddies leaving the increased heat gradient of the runway. This data is compared to an optical scintillometer and other local weather station data. Point and path average C n2 data are calculated and attention is given to turbulence spectrum as a function of height above ground.

Publication Date

1-1-2018

Publication Title

Proceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering

Volume

10770

Document Type

Article; Proceedings Paper

Personal Identifier

scopus

DOI Link

https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2323330

Socpus ID

85058214912 (Scopus)

Source API URL

https://api.elsevier.com/content/abstract/scopus_id/85058214912

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