Numerical simulation of laser-induced fluorescence imaging in shock-layer flows

Planar laser-induced fluorescence (PLIF) images of nitric oxide in hyperson ic flow over a wedge and a hemisphere are compared with a theoretical PLIF model. The theoretical PLIF images are based on computational fluid dynamic s (CFD) models including a perfect-gas model and a nonequilibrium chemistry model. Two-dimensional maps of the flow parameters generated by the CFD ar e used to predict the theoretical PLIF images, including the effects of col lisional quenching. We find good agreement between the model and the experi mental measurements. We explain how this method of computational flow imagi ng can be useful for designing experiments.