Recording and evaluation methods of PIV investigations on a helicopter rotor model

Three-component particle image velocimetry measurements at moderate speeds and observation distances can now be accomplished on a routine basis. This article discusses the experiment performed on a 4 m-diameter model rotor in the 6-m×8-m open test section of the Large Low Speed Facility of the German–Dutch Wind Tunnels. More than half a terabyte of raw data were recorded at various positions on the advancing and retreating sides of the rotor in order to obtain detailed measurements of the trailing vortex in the frame of an international project. This paper addresses measuring techniques and possible sources of errors and presents a limited number of cases for the purpose of illustrating the solutions to numerous technical challenges relating to the acquisition and analysis of vortical flows.