Measurement and Validation of Infrared Signature from Exhaust Plume of a Micro-Turbo Engine

Abstract

Development of an accurate infrared signature (IR) measurement system is expected to contribute in the development of low observable technology and the spectroscopic analysis of electromagnetic radiation.Application of a spectroradiometer (SR) allows for the measurement of detailed infrared signature from the exhaust plume due to its own heat source. Establishment of a measurement system using a micro-turbo engine is intended to simulate the modelling of the aircraft plume. The engine was installed on a test stand to measure the engine performance. The IR signature was measured by placing the SR perpendicular to the axis line of the exhaust plume. Reference data from the blackbody were also measured to calibrate the raw data, and the infrared signature of the background was also measured for comparison with that of the plume. The calibrated spectral radiance was obtained through the data reduction process and the results were analyzed in specific bands. The experiments revealed that the measurement system established here showed sufficient performance for further comprehensive analysis.