A Thermal Device for Aircraft Measurement of the Solid Water Content of Clouds

Abstract

A constant temperature probe for the measurement of solid water content of clouds is described. The probe is operated at a temperature of approximately 25°C, and is designed to collect and melt ice particles that impact in an open half-cylinder, the amount of power supplied to the probe being related to the solid water content through its dimensions, etc. Comparisons in a small wind tunnel with values derived from weighings of oil-coated slides suggest that the probe is accurate to about 50%, while data from two different aircraft indicate that it performs reliably under flight conditions.