Use of resistance wires for atmospheric turbulence measurements in the marine environment

Abstract

The dc calibration parameters of hot wires used for wind speed measurements and cold wires used for air temperature measurements have been investigated for wires used in the marine environment. Tungsten hot wires and platinum temperature wires have been calibrated both before, during, and after their use at sea. A scanning electron microscope has been used to determine the surface condition of the wires and the amount of sea salt that is deposited on them. The results show that sea salt is quickly deposited on the wires when they are used at sea but that the deposits are rarely of sufficient thickness to affect the dc calibration of the wires.