Method and apparatus for measuring local heat transfer distribution on a surface

The present invention relates to apparatus and methods for measuring heat transfer distributions on a surface and obtaining surface heat transfer data for a variety of cooling jet impingement configurations on the surface at different Reynolds numbers and particularly relates to apparatus and methods for determining local heat transfer distribution and Nusselt numbers for the heat transfer coefficients. An apparatus and method for measuring local heat transfer distribution of an object surface. The apparatus includes a heater element for providing heat flux, a member disposed on a surface of the heater element for receiving impinging cooling air. A liquid crystal element is provided on a side of the heater element remote from the surface, and an insulating material is disposed adjacent to the liquid crystal element and remote from the heater element. The apparatus further includes means for determining heat transfer distribution coefficients from the liquid crystal element.