HIGH-RESOLUTION DIGITAL FLOWFIELD IMAGING OF JETS

High resolution digital imaging, using planar laser-induced light scattering is being developed for analysis of gaseous flowfields. High resolution image data, implying both high spatial resolution and wide signal dynamic range, can be readily processed to yield two-dimensional distributions of species concentrations and, in turn, accurate two-dimensional images of concentration gradients and turbulence scales. Critical aspects of the technique are discussed; details of the design and the performance of the imaging system are presented; and results for laminar, transitional, turbulent and birfurcating nitrogen jets, using planar-laser-induced fluorescence of biacetyl, are reported. Initial results from imaging processing and the potential implications for flowfield analysis are described © 1990 Springer-Verlag.