Development and Application of Advanced Laser-based Measurement Techniques to Transonic, Supersonic, and Hypersonic Flows

The NASA Postdoctoral Program (NPP) offers unique research opportunities to highly-talented scientists to engage in ongoing NASA research projects. This specific postdoctoral fellowship focuses on developing advanced laser-based measurement techniques for transonic, supersonic, and hypersonic flows at NASA Langley Research Center. The research group is located in the Advanced Measurements and Data Systems Branch and works on applying techniques including femtosecond laser electronic excitation and tagging (FLEET) method, particle image velocimetry (PIV), and planar laser-induced fluorescence (PLIF) to study high Reynolds number transonic flows and launch and hypersonic Earth and Mars re-entry vehicles and heat shield materials. The fundamental part of the research involves studying the laser-based techniques themselves and developing new variations to extend measurement capability, while the applied part involves making measurements in flow facilities at Langley. Research opportunities exist for both fundamental and applied aspects of all these measurement methods. These one- to three-year fellowships are competitive and designed to advance NASA's missions in space science, Earth science, aeronautics, space operations, exploration systems, and astrobiology.