Effects of calibration data reduction on a probe performance

The work described in the present paper will deal with the mathematical and empirical analysis of the properties of different ways of performing the reduction of data gathered through a complex measurement instrument; the specific case of a probe for the time-resolved measurement of skin friction absolute value and direction will be studied in order to deduce a general conclusion about the matter. It will be shown that different mathematical formulations of the data reduction variables and/or functions can cause important differences in the results, especially when the features of the instrument to be used must be pushed to their limit. Comparison will be performed between various techniques of data reduction in order to highlight their respective properties; these results will be interpreted in relation to the physical nature and properties of the example instrument, showing the underlying factors leading to these properties and the way this understanding can lead to better applications of an instrument.