Effect of Compressible Flow on Perceived Temperature Fluctuations Measured by Moving Sensor

Equations are developed for the effect of velocity fluctuations on the perceived temperature fluctuations detected by a moving temperature sensor. The impact of these fluctuations on perceived fluctuations of index of refraction are computed. The magnitude of this effect is estimated using known ranges of atmospheric fluctuations in temperature and velocity. Using a method to estimate velocity fluctuations from temperature fluctuations and concurrently measured atmospheric data, balloon derived fluctuation data is used to estimate what would be perceived by a faster moving sensor. We conclude that normally observed fluctuations can have a significant impact on the perceived optical properties. NOMENCLATURE a = Constant b = Constant Br(x) = Spatial Covariance (units of r squared) Cx2 = Structure constant of the quantity x (units are the units of x^m273) CP = Specific heat at constant pressure (J/kg/K) Dx(r) = Structure function of quantity x (units are the units of x squared) d = Distance (m)