Post-treatment for phase detection probes in non uniform two-phase flows

The question of the demodulation of raw information delivered by phase detection probes is reconsidered. The standard procedure providing the size distribution from chord measurements is extended along various directions. For spherical inclusions, the presence of flow inhomogeneities is accounted for, both in the case of totally correlated or completely uncorrelated sizes and velocities. Also, the number density, its flux, as well as the mean interfacial area density, become available. Two-phase flow regions close to walls are also considered. It is shown that, using multiple point measurements, the number density flux can be reconstructed with acceptable accuracy. However, the number density and average inclusion velocity relative to centres seem to be out of reach when using only phase detection probes. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.