AN EXTENDED POWER-LAW MODEL FOR THE CALIBRATION OF HOT-WIRE HOT-FILM CONSTANT-TEMPERATURE PROBES

A systematic approach was taken towards deriving a unified and general model for the calibration of hot-wire/hot-film constant temperature p robes. Considerations of the rate of heat transfer from these thermal sensors suggest this general calibration model in the form of an exten ded power law. This is preceded by a detailed review, and discussion r egarding the validity and merits, of the various formulae that are in current use. An example is given of the calibration data obtained with a hot-film probe in a towing tank to compare the accuracy of these fo rmulae. The results show much improved modelling accuracy with the cur rent formulae.