Using uncertainty analysis in the debugging and qualification of a turbulent heat transfer test facility

Abstract

The application of detailed uncertainty analysis techniques in the debugging and qualification checks of a new turbulent heat transfer test facility is demonstrated. The data reduction equation for Stanton number is developed, and the associated uncertainty analysis is presented. The techniques used in estimation of the bias errors in the measured variables, including the effects of correlated bias errors in the measurements of several different variables, are discussed in some detail. Finally, the use of these estimates in first- and nth-order replication level checks of the experimental techniques and facility is illustrated.