A sensitive fast-response probe to measure turbulence and heat flux from any airplane

The theory, configuration, and accuracy of an inexpensive probe to measure turbulence from a small airplane are presented. The probe employs a nine-hole pressure-sphere design along with inprobe high-frequency pressure, temperature, and acceleration sensors. This sensor suite is specifically designed to extend mass, momentum and energy eddy-flux measurement to the higher frequencies characteristic of marine and nocturnal boundary layers. The probe is part of a mobile flux system, independent of the conveyance, which does not require a separate Inertial Navigation System. The new nine-port pressure sphere turbulence probe allows accurate turbulent velocity measurement with proper probe installation and appropriate computation technique for dynamic pressure. A thermistor in the central pressure port provides simultaneous temperature measurement, at a location symmetrical with respect to the flow, for accurate determination of true airspeed and heat flux. The probe-mounted temperature sensor gives heat fluxes with variance 5% of the mean in a weakly-turbulent marine boundary layer.