Laser Doppler velocity bias in separated turbulent flows

Velocity bias effects on data obtained with a coincident two channel laser Doppler velocimeter in a highly turbulent separated supersonic flow are presented. Probability distributions of the fluctuating velocities were distorted by velocity bias in a manner consistent with theory and a two-dimensional velocity inverse weighting function bias correction produced reasonable appearing velocity probability distributions. The addition of an approximate correction term to account for the effects of the unmeasured third velocity component improved these results but had little effect on the velocity statistics. Experimental factors that could partially compensate or falsely add to the velocity bias, conditions for the bias to occur, and conditions for which the bias may also be observed and corrected for are discussed.