WIND SHEAR TEST SITE UPGRADING

This report describes the field site modifications that were made at the Table Mountain field site near Boulder, Colorado. In addition, the results from tests of a commercial acoustic Doppler system, a CW lidar system and a WPL owned FM-CW radar and prototype acoustic Doppler system are summarized. The commercial devices were tested for only a short period of time due to other contracted arrangements and limited resources for maintaining the systems on site. As a result the tests were useful but inconclusive. This limited availability for testing was also a problem with the FM-CW radar. However, it was possible to make the first comparisons of this device with an acoustic Doppler system. Winds measured by the two systems over approximately 5 minute averaging times compared well. The WPL prototype acoustic Doppler system was operated for a much longer period and we now have a better understanding of its potential. This particular system is limited by surface winds above 10 meters per second and its performance is degraded by other background noises such as thunder. The limiting influence of rain is not as severe as had previously been expected, but it is a serious problem for intense rainfall.

• Corporate Authors:

  National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

  Wave Propagation Laboratory
  Boulder, CO  United States  80302
• Authors:
  • BERAN, D W
  • Haugen, D
• Publication Date: 1977-8

Media Info

• Pagination: 53 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Acoustic signal processing; Alternatives analysis; Anemometers; Continuous wave radar; Doppler radar; Frequency modulation; Interference; Location; Radar; Signals; Test facilities; Towers; Wind shear
• Uncontrolled Terms: Modifications
• Old TRIS Terms: Acoustic signals; Radar interference; Radar signals
• Subject Areas: Design; Terminals and Facilities;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00169186
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: National Technical Information Service
• Report/Paper Numbers: FAA-RD-77-124
• Contract Numbers: DOT-FA76-WAI-622
• Files: NTIS
• Created Date: Jan 30 2002 12:00AM