We demonstrate the use of a novel technique for the detection of heterodyne laser-induced thermal acoustics signals, which allows the construction of a highly stable seedless laser velocimeter. A common-path configuration is combined with quadrature detection to provide flow direction, greatly improve robustness to misalignment and vibration, and give reliable velocity measurement at low flow velocities. Comparison with Pitot tube measurements in the freestream of a wind tunnel shows root-mean-square errors of 0.67 m/s over the velocity range 0.55 m/s. Hart, Roger C. and Herring, G. C. and Balla, R. Jeffrey and Bushnell, Dennis M. (Technical Monitor) Langley Research Center NASA/CR-2001-211252, NAS 1.26:211252, ICASE-2001-37...

This report summarizes research conducted at ICASE in applied mathematics, computer science, fluid mechanics, and structures and material sciences during the period October 1, 2000 through March 31, 2001.