close-up of Cobra Probe head Series 100 Cobra Probe ECA Probe Dynamic Pressure module Calibration traverse
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  • Cobra Probe
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  • DPMS
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  • ECA Probe
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  • Device Control

    • - R-TAC module

    - R-TAC video
  • Other
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  • FAQs
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    Device Control Software

    The Device Control software is the main interface for configuring and acquiring data from instrumentation. The software has been designed to simplify the process of using these systems, but also incorporates some advanced features such as the R-TAC (Real-Time Animated Contouring) software module, allowing real-time visualisation of pressure contours over a large number of measurement points. Watch the R-TAC video to see real-time contouring in action. Read on for further information and click on any of the images on this page to see a larger version of them.

    		    
     

    - Features

    - Multiple Devices

    - Real-Time Display

    - R-TAC

    - Flow Mapping

    		  

     
    Features
    The main functions of the software are to:

    - obtain raw data from any combination of devices
    - process the raw data for each device
    - display data in real-time, as it is acquired and processed
    - save data to disk if required

    The software also includes many other features, such as:

    - real-time frequency analysis
    - saving of summary data and complete time histories
    - replay of previously saved data (time signal or frequency analysis)
    - control of up to six axes of traverse

    The advanced features of the Device Control Software include:

    - post-processing of data (including that from other DAQ systems)
    - fully automated flow mapping
    - customisation to allow use of other instrumentation
    - integration with other existing, third-party equipment

     

    the Main Form of the Device Control software

    traverse movement and configuration using the Traverse Control form
    Multiple Instruments & Other Inputs

    The Device Control software has been specifically configured to control and run multiple TFI and other devices simultaneously, such as Cobra Probes, Dynamic Pressure modules, and other external inputs such as thermocouples (temperature inputs) or reference sensors (e.g. local flow velocity). Simultaneous sampling of all instruments allows examination of correlations between ambient flow structures and surface pressure fluctuations in a test situation.

    The total number of devices able to be operated at any one time depends on the number of A/D cards installed in the computer running the software, as well as the computer performance characteristics. In the recommended standard computer configuration, up to 4 Cobra Probes, or up to 1024 channels of DPMS, or a combination of these can be operated simultaneously. Please contact us to discuss the possibilities for your particular application.

    the Settings - DP Devices form allows the addition and configuration of multiple devices for simultaneous use
    Real-Time Data Display
    The Device Control software collects data in blocks and processes and displays this data in real time (see the Data Display form at right). The user can choose to display the collected data versus time or as a frequency spectrum. The latter is useful for examining the frequency content of the measured parameter at the time of measurement, without having to wait for post-processing. An averaged power spectrum, which is cumulatively calculated from a chosen start point, can also be displayed.

    A variety of time-averaged parameters can be calculated in real-time and displayed as the data is being collected. Plots can be paused during sampling (or playback) and printed or saved, while sampling continues in the background. Warnings also appear when the data being sampled exceeds the voltage range of the A/D card in use.

    the Data Display form shows the data as it is collected, here in the form of a frequency spectrum
    R-TAC Software
    The Device Control software for the DPMS incorporates the R-TAC (Real-Time Animated Contouring) module, which provides real-time contouring of the linearised pressure signals. This feature enables you to import a photo, CAD drawing or other image of the item under test and indicate the location of the pressure taps. The software then provides real-time display of the pressure distribution contours superimposed on the image of the test article. The images can be saved to produce video of the dynamic pressure distribution, thus providing a very valuable tool for understanding flow structures.

    more information

    more information on the Real-Time Animated Contouring software
    Flow Mapping
    Flow mapping using the Device Control software can be accomplished using either a completely automated traverse linked to the software or one which requires manual positioning. The Flow Mapping form (shown at right) facilitates the creation of coordinate files, to control the sampling process. Coordinate files can be saved for later use, and loaded in when required.

    If the traverse is linked to the Device Control software, fully automated flow mapping is possible and once the coordinates are loaded and the mapping commenced, all sampling, processing and traverse repositioning will occur without further intervention from the user. Mapping can be paused at any stage and resumed at a later time.

    The Flow Mapping routine can save complete time history information for every measurement point if required, or can save time-averaged information in summary text files, the latter containing all measurement points and all time-averaged properties (including Reynold's stresses). These files can then be loaded into specialist plotting packages, or even applications such as Microsoft ExcelŽ, in order to visualise the data.

    the Flow Mapping form of the Device Control software
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