Optically addressed pressure sensors for transient gas dynamics: calibration of a preliminary design

The design of pressure sensors based on interferometric measurements of diaphragm deflection for transient gas dynamics experiments is discussed. Quasi-steady calibration results from one such sensor are presented. Results from a dynamic calibration of the same sensor are also described. Predictions of diaphragm behaviour based on a clamped circular diaphragm model are within about 30% of the results obtained from the static and dynamic calibrations. However, a strong temperature sensitivity is also apparent. Future development will focus on reducing the temperature sensitivity of the sensor in transient applications