This test method provides a standard method for evaluating the performance of sonic anemometer/thermometers that use inverse time solutions to measure wind velocity components and the speed of sound. It provides an unambiguous determination of instrument performance criteria. The test method is applicable to manufacturers for the purpose of describing the performance of their products, to instrumentation test facilities for the purpose of verifying instrument performance, and to users for specifying performance requirements. The acoustic pathlength procedure is also applicable for calibration purposes prior to data collection. Procedures for operating a sonic anemometer/thermometer are described in Practice D 5527.

The sonic anemometer/thermometer array is assumed to have a sufficiently high structural rigidity and a sufficiently low coefficient of thermal expansion to maintain an internal alignment to within the manufacturer's specifications over its designed operating range. Consult with the manufacturer for an internal alignment verification procedure and verify the alignment before proceeding with this test method.

This test method is designed to characterize the performance of an array model or probe design. Transducer shadow data obtained from a single array is applicable for all instruments having the same array model or probe design. Some non-orthogonal arrays may not require specification of transducer shadow corrections or the velocity calibration range.

1. Scope

1.1 This test method covers the determination of the dynamic performance of a sonic anemometer/thermometer which employs the inverse time measurement technique for velocity or speed of sound, or both. Performance criteria include: (a) acceptance angle, (b) acoustic pathlength, (c) system delay, (d) system delay mismatch, (e) thermal stability range, (f) shadow correction, (g) velocity calibration range, and (h) velocity resolution.

1.2 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

2. Referenced Documents (purchase separately) The documents listed below are referenced within the subject standard but are not provided as part of the standard.

ASTM Standards

C384 Test Method for Impedance and Absorption of Acoustical Materials by Impedance Tube Method

D1356 Terminology Relating to Sampling and Analysis of Atmospheres

D5527 Practices for Measuring Surface Wind and Temperature by Acoustic Means

Keywords

acceptance angle; acoustic pathlength; shadow correction; sonic anemometer; sonic temperature; sonic thermometer; speed of sound; system delay; Acceptance criteria/testing--atmospheric; Acoustic pathlength; Dynamic performance; Performance--laboratory instrumentation/process; Shadow correction; Sonic anemometer/thermometer; Sonic temperature; Sonic thermometer; Sound field parameters; System delay;

ICS Code

ICS Number Code 17.200.10 (Heat. Calorimetry)

Citing ASTM Standards

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