Using Blue Waters, large-eddy simulations are performed to study aero-optic distortions, or the distortion of light by compressible turbulent flow, with a goal to further understand the connection between flow physics and optical distortions. In the past year, research has progressed on two fronts. First, the relationship between turbulent density fluctuations and optical distortions has been explored using high-fidelity simulations of weakly compressible mixing layers. Optical results from the simulation are compared with theoretical expressions for the spectral behavior of phase distortions, demonstrating a direct relationship to the spectral behavior of density fluctuations. Secondly, investigation of the database generated from the simulation of a realistic optical turret has improved our knowledge about the effects of turbulent wake structure, viewing angle, and aperture size on optical distortions found in a common beam transmission platform.
