Optical fluids: modeling the near field and far field optical effects of atmosphere and turbulent flow of an airborne laser communication system

There are some systems that have been traditionally regarded as too complex for simulation, this mindset results in expensive protypes to conduct build and break scenarios. As the need to understand increasingly complex systems evolves, so must the tools. This work seeks to demonstrate that not only is simulation possible with a complex multi-physics problem, but it is accurate, while providing incredible time and cost savings when compared to alternative methods. Simulation of complex systems early in the design and development phases can reduce the number of prototypes created, the number of test flights required and provide design insights earlier in the product life cycle. Design modification while still in the development phase facilitates potential for greater flexibility. Failure to include simulation early, can result in more costly prototyping, greater number of test flights required and the further into a product life cycle issues are discovered, the more limited the options are for modification. Simulation can provide early insights and cost savings.