USA As Represented by Secretary of the Navy

Worcester Polytechnic Institute

William W Durgin

Paul J Lefebvre

Hamid Johari

Two techniques for detecting vortices and their associated circulation are disclosed. The first is termed a closed path configuration, and the second is termed the dual path configuration. These techniques are useable for the detection of wake turbulence especially in the vicinity of airport runways, which results from wing tip vortices generated by aircraft during take-off and landing. The systems are similar in that they use ultrasonic measurement techniques to determine the circulation about defined areas. The circulation is reflective of the vorticity associated with trailing vortices, which are manifest within the area.

Ultrasonic monitoring method and system for wake turbulence useful at

An apparatus for defining the free surface of a moving column of a fluid in vertical pipe to enhance the accuracy of measurements of transient rate of flow of the fluid using electromagnetic flowmeter is described. It provides a neutrally buoyant plug which stays in contact with the free surface of the column of the fluid at all times and thus defines the free surface of the fluid moving in the vertical pipe accurately and reduces the oscillations of the free surface of the fluid.

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Holden, MA, United States of America

William W Durgin