UROP Project

Development of Optical Diagnostics for High-Speed Aerodynamics

Optical Diagnostics Hypersonic Supersonic Aerodynamics

Research Mentor: Dr. Alexandre Berger,
Department, College, Affiliation: Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering
Contact Email: aberger2@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:

Looking for Research Assistants: Yes
Number of Research Assistants: 1
Relevant Majors: Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Project Location: Engineering campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: FSU shuttle
Remote or In-person: In-person
Approximate Weekly Hours: 10, During business hours
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:

• Day: Tuesday, September 2
  Start Time: 1:00
  End Time: 1:30
  Zoom Link: https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_ZDA2ZjJhNGUtZjc1Yi00NjEzLWJkM2QtZTA0ZjAwZGQyNWU0%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%22a36450eb-db06-42a7-8d1b-026719f701e3%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%22de0da904-31d8-4897-9341-135e029a2b14%22%7d
• Day: Tuesday, September 2
  Start Time: 1:30
  End Time: 2:00
  Zoom Link: https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_ZDA2ZjJhNGUtZjc1Yi00NjEzLWJkM2QtZTA0ZjAwZGQyNWU0%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%22a36450eb-db06-42a7-8d1b-026719f701e3%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%22de0da904-31d8-4897-9341-135e029a2b14%22%7d
• Day: Tuesday, September 2
  Start Time: 2:00
  End Time: 2:30
  Zoom Link: https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_ZDA2ZjJhNGUtZjc1Yi00NjEzLWJkM2QtZTA0ZjAwZGQyNWU0%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%22a36450eb-db06-42a7-8d1b-026719f701e3%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%22de0da904-31d8-4897-9341-135e029a2b14%22%7d
• Day: Tuesday, September 2
  Start Time: 2:30
  End Time: 3:00
  Zoom Link: https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_ZDA2ZjJhNGUtZjc1Yi00NjEzLWJkM2QtZTA0ZjAwZGQyNWU0%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%22a36450eb-db06-42a7-8d1b-026719f701e3%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%22de0da904-31d8-4897-9341-135e029a2b14%22%7d

Project Description

This project aims to improve two advanced optical flow diagnostics — Self-Aligned Focusing Schlieren (SAFS) and Focused Laser Differential Interferometry (FLDI) — by testing and implementing larger diameter field lenses. The work will take place in the experimental aerodynamics laboratory and involve hands-on alignment, calibration, and testing of optical systems that use lasers to visualize and measure flow structures. The goal is to increase measurement sensitivity and field of view while maintaining system stability.

Research Tasks: Assist with setup, alignment, and calibration of SAFS and FLDI optical systems.
Replace and test field lenses of various diameters, recording any changes in image quality and measurement sensitivity.
Collect optical data from controlled flow experiments and document test configurations.
Analyze image and signal data to compare system performance with different lens setups.
Maintain lab safety protocols when working with lasers and optical equipment.

Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Required: Attention to detail, ability to follow laboratory safety procedures, willingness to work hands-on with optical equipment and lasers (training will be provided).
Recommended: Basic knowledge of optics or physics, experience with experimental setups, familiarity with data analysis software (MATLAB, Python, or similar).