Fig. 1: Surface temperature distribution of a heated thermo dummy measured with IR-Thermography
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Fig. 2: Test rig to prove against horizontal forces
To investigate the velocity and temperature distributions in the cabin, which are relevant for the passengers thermal comfort, the DLR research aircraft ATRA (Advanced Technologies Research Aircraft) is used for flight test experiments. For these flight tests, one part of the aircrafts cabin is fully equipped with the standard cabin of a commercial aircraft. To determine the relevant parameters (e.g. Air velocities and Air Temperature) a flight test instrumentation system according to the regulations of european authorities has been developed by the department Fluid Systems. In order to simulate the heat input from human passengers, heated thermo dummies were used. Picture 1 shows the surface temperature of a heated thermo dummy measured with an infrared sensitive camera.
The flight test instrumentation system consists of sensors to determine air-velocities, air-temperatures, globe temperatures, surface temperatures and the humidity inside the cabin. To mount these sensors, a set of racks has been engineered, which allows to fixate on arm rests and seat rails of the aircraft.
To verify the compliance with the regulations, external referees performed flammability-tests. In addition custom-made test rigs were constructed and operated. The second picture shows a test rig, which was used to prove that a sensor rack is stable against horizontal forces.