Stereo PIV Study of Wake-Driven Dynamic Instability in Blunt Entry Vehicles 

The project advances optical diagnostics for time resolved flow field measurements using 2D and Stereo PIV to study dynamic stability phenomena not captured by conventional methods. In FY26, we built a PIV system from the ground-up and brought the facility online. Success will deliver a scalable framework for EDL relevant aerodynamic and OML informed stability characterization.

Blunt body dynamic instability is danger to every EDL mission and instability is difficult to predict and mechanisms are poorly understood. This project aims to develop ability to identify dynamic stability concerns for new vehicle geometries during proposal phase. Improve data collection automation and processing for the new test setup, Synchronize PIV measurements with load cell data for detailed comparisons with VST, FDRF test data, Work towards developing on-body 3D PIV to capture full flow separatiottachment boundaries

This is a mature technology (TRL 7+) — the realistic path in is usually NASA's Technology Transfer Program: licensing an existing NASA patent, or a Space Act Agreement to use NASA facilities/expertise directly. NASA also runs a startup licensing program with no upfront fee for companies formed to commercialize a specific NASA technology.

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