Comparative Testing the Uncertainty of A/D Converters in A Hot-Wire Anemometer Measurement Using Grid-Generated Turbulence

Abstract

Abstract This study investigates the uncertainty of the A/D converter when measuring multi-scale turbulence fluctuations using a hot-wire anemometer. The flow is generated in a low-speed wind tunnel, the turbulence is generated by a turbulence grid and the fluctuations are measured. A compact hot-wire anemometer was used and a high accuracy A/D converter was introduced for the measurements. Methods to minimise the influence of noise were also incorporated and measurements were carried out in two situations, one with and one without turbulence. The experimental results showed that measurements under a specific condition (Case 1 in this study) had the sufficienty reproducibility of turbulence fluctuations and the least effect of noise. The results showed that the high frequency characteristics of the turbulence could also be accurately measured under this condition. In conclusion, it is clear that the choice of a suitable A/D converter and the optimisation of the measurement environment are critical for turbulence measurements with a hot-wire anemometer.