On the use of hot-wire anemometry in pulsating flows. A comment on ‘A critical review on advanced velocity measurement techniques in pulsating flows’

Abstract

In their recent topical review, Nabavi and Siddiqui (Meas. Sci. Technol. 2010 21 042002) recommended the use of hot-wire anemometry for velocity measurements in pulsating flows, especially at high frequency. This recommendation is misleading. The procedures invoked by these authors are valid only for small-amplitude fluctuations, which are of little interest for pulsating flows. When large-amplitude velocity changes occur without flow reversal, new procedures for the correction of the nonlinearities of the hot wire are required. This case was thoroughly investigated for a constant-voltage anemometer by Berson et al (Rev. Sci. Instrum. 2009 80 045102). In addition, we show that when flow reversal occurs—a case most relevant to pulsating flows—accurate hot-wire velocity measurements are not possible because heat transfer is not well defined when velocity passes through zero and changes direction.