HOLOGRAPHIC VELOCIMETRY FOR FLOW DIAGNOSTICS

Currently, there are a number of flow diagnostic tools available for the evaluation of fluid dynamic systems. In spite of its great potential, holographic velocimetry is one technique which has not been widely used. It does, however, have great potential in this area due to its inherent three-dimensionality. As demonstrated in this study of fully developed turbulent flow in a pipe, full three-dimensional mapping can be achieved at any instant in a flow cycle. Comparisons of holographic results with analytical predictions and laser-Doppler-anemometry (LDA) measurements demonstrate the accuracy of the technique as well as some of its advantages and disadvantages relative to LDA. Although relatively poor spatial resolution is obtained, the fact that holographic velocimetry is both an instantaneous and full volume measuring tool makes it useful for a range of complex and high-speed flow-measurement applications.