What applications are common for Particle Image Velocimetry in engineering?
Common applications for Particle Image Velocimetry in engineering include analysing fluid flow in aerodynamics, studying combustion in engines, optimising turbomachinery performance, examining microfluidics, and investigating environmental flows in oceans, rivers, and atmospheric studies.
How does Particle Image Velocimetry work?
Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) works by illuminating a flow field seeded with tracer particles using a laser sheet, capturing successive images rapidly. Advanced software analyses the displacement of particles between frames to calculate velocity vectors, providing detailed information on flow patterns and turbulence.
What are the key components of a Particle Image Velocimetry system?
The key components of a Particle Image Velocimetry system are a laser to illuminate tracer particles in the flow, a digital camera to capture images of the particles, a synchroniser to coordinate the laser and camera, and a computer with specialised software for image analysis and velocity field calculation.
What are the challenges and limitations of using Particle Image Velocimetry?
Challenges and limitations of using Particle Image Velocimetry include high equipment cost, complex setup and calibration procedures, difficulty in seeding the flow uniformly with tracer particles, limitations in capturing high-speed or turbulent flows accurately, and issues with optical accessibility and reflections in some fluid environments.
How accurate is Particle Image Velocimetry in fluid flow measurements?
Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) typically achieves accuracy within 1-2% of the velocity field's mean flow speed. Accuracy can vary depending on factors like seeding density, illumination, camera resolution, and post-processing techniques. Proper calibration and validation are essential to minimise measurement errors.