Optimization of a sensor cluster for determination of trajectories and velocities of supersonic objects

An evaluation of errors for a method for determination of trajectories and velocities of supersonic objects is conducted. The analytical study of a cl uster, composed of three pressure transducers and generally used as an appa ratus for cinematic determination of parameters of supersonic objects, is d eveloped. Furthermore, detailed investigation into the accuracy of this clu ster on determination of the slope of an incoming shock wave is carried out for optimization of the device. In particular, a specific non-dimensional parameter is proposed in order to evaluate accuracies for various values of parameters and reference graphs are provided in order to properly design t he sensor cluster. Finally, on the basis of the error analysis conducted, a discussion on the best estimation of the relative distance for the sensor as a function of temporal resolution of the measuring system is presented.