Wavelet analysis of gust structure in measured atmospheric turbulence data

A method for analyzing atmospheric turbulence data is described in the form of a wavelet analysis which extracts localized structure in the form of discrete ramp-shaped gusts. A two-dimensional correlation surface is generated, the independent variables being position and scale, and discrete gusts are detected by the identification of peaks in this correlation surface which is equivalent to the invertible wavelet transform (WT). This method is illustrated by application to measured turbulence records. Implications of the results for aircraftdesign criteria, particularly for structural loads and load-alleviation control systems, are discussed.