- Author
- Stroup, D. W.
- Title
- Development of an Automated Probe Positioner For Measurements in Fire-Generated Plumes and Ceiling Jets.
- Coporate
- National Bureau of Standards, Gaithersburg, MD
- Report
- NBSIR 86-3379, MAY 1986, 46 p.
- Distribution
- Available from National Technical Information Service
- Keywords
- computers | experiments | fire measurements | gas burners | measuring instruments | temperature measurements | velocity measurement
- Abstract
- This report describes the development of an automated probe positioner. This system has been used for extensive measurements of temperatures at a large number of positions within laboratory-scale fire-flow experimental apparatus. In its present configuration, the device is designed to operate within a 1.22 m diameter cylindrical enclosure. The apparatus has horizontal, vertical, and rotational motion capabilities. A single microcomputer is used to control probe positioning, perform data-taking, and evaluate statistical results. These statistical results are used by the system to determine the number of data points to record at a given position. Large numbers of points may be taken at positions showing large fluctuations while small numbers of points are recorded in more quiescent flow regions. Results of several experiments, used to check positioning accuracy and system performance during actual tests, are presented. An analysis of the heat transer to the test enclosure ceiling is included in the presentation of results.