Image Velocimetry Measurements Research Articles

IDENTIFYING ICE LENS INITIATION OF FROZEN SOILS USING PARTICLE IMAGE VELOCIMETRY METHOD

Frost heave occurring in embankments seriously threatens the safe operation of transportation infrastructures in cold regions. When and where the ice lens initiates are key to understanding the mechanism of frost heave in soils. This study develops a novel particle image velocimetry (PIV) technology specifically suited for a frost heave apparatus. The displacement, velocity, and strain of the three-dimensional frost heave surface is acquired with this technology, and the monitoring accuracy reaches the micron level. A series of one-dimensional freezing tests are carried out for silty soil to validate the applicability of this novel technology. The validation of the test results confirms the effectiveness of the method. The results indicate that the measured displacement and velocity induced by the initiation of ice lenses can clearly depict the development of the frost heave process. Ice lens initiation can be identified where peaks of strain values occur during the freezing stage. The proposed criterion, based on image velocimetry measurements, thus provides a new tool for assessing the formation of ice lenses during frost heave tests.

Velocity Vector Estimation of Two-Dimensional Flow Field Based on STIV

As an important part of hydrometry, river discharge monitoring plays an irreplaceable role in the planning and management of water resources and is an essential element and necessary means of river management. Due to its benefits of simplicity, efficiency and safety, Space-Time Image Velocimetry (STIV) has attracted attention from all around the world. The most crucial component of the STIV is the detection of the Main Orientation of Texture (MOT), and the precision of detection directly affects the results of calculations. However, due to the complicated river flow characteristics and the harsh testing environment in the field, a large amount of noise and interfering textures show up in the space-time images, which affects the detection results of the MOT. In response to the shortage of noise and interference texture, a new non-contact image analysis method is developed. Firstly, Multi-scale Retinex (MSR) is proposed to pre-process the images for contrast enhancement; secondly, a fourth-order Gaussian derivative steerable filter is employed to enhance the structure of the texture; next, based on the probability density distribution function and the orientations of the enhanced images, the noise suppression function and the orientation-filtering function are designed to filter out the noise to highlight the texture. Finally, the Fourier Maximum Angle Analysis (FMAA) is used to filter out the noise further and obtain the clear orientations to achieve the measurement of velocity and discharge. The experimental results show that, compared with the widely used image velocimetry measurements, the accuracy of our method in the average velocity and flow discharge is significantly improved, and the real-time performance is excellent.

Towards robust data-driven reduced-order modelling for turbulent flows: application to vortex-induced vibrations

This work presents a robust method that minimises the impact of user-selected parameter on the identification of generic models to study the coherent dynamics in turbulent flows. The objective is to gain insight into the flow dynamics from a data-driven reduced order model (ROM) that is developed from measurement data of the respective flow. For an efficient separation of the coherent dynamics, spectral proper orthogonal decomposition (SPOD) is used, projecting the flow field onto a low-dimensional subspace, so that the dominating dynamics can be represented with a minimal number of modes. A function library is defined using polynomial combinations of the temporal modal coefficients to describe the flow dynamics with a system of nonlinear ordinary differential equations. The most important library functions are identified in a two-stage cross-validation procedure (conservative and restrictive sparsification) and combined in the final model. In the first stage, the process uses a simple approximation of the derivative to match the model with the data. This stage delivers a reduced set of possible library function candidates for the model. In the second, more complex stage, the model of the entire flow is integrated over a short time and compared with the progression of the measured data. This restrictive stage allows a robust identification of nonlinearities and modal interactions in the data and their representation in the model. The method is demonstrated using data from particle image velocimetry (PIV) measurements of a circular cylinder undergoing vortex-induced vibration (VIV) at mathrm{Re}=4000. It delivers a reduced order model that reproduces the average dynamics of the flow and reveals the interaction of coexisting flow dynamics by the model structure.

Ultra-high-speed time-resolved PIV of turbulent flows using a continuously pulsing fiber laser

The application of a compact pulsed fiber laser for high-speed time-resolved particle image velocimetry (TR-PIV) measurements in the potential core of a turbulent round jet is presented at repetition rates of up to 500,hbox {kHz}. The master oscillator power amplifier laser architecture consists of a pulsable seed diode whose emission is amplified in a Yb-doped fiber. The pulsed laser is operated continuously at repetition rates ranging from 10,hbox {kHz} to 1,hbox {MHz} with adjustable pulse widths at an output power of 50 W. The maximum rated pulse energy of 486,upmu hbox {J} is reached at 100,hbox {kHz}, making the laser suitable for measurements of turbulent flows and highly transient phenomena. To demonstrate the feasibility of the laser for flow velocimetry, TR-PIV is conducted in a turbulent round jet. Two different high-speed camera systems are employed: a high-speed CMOS camera running at 200,hbox {kHz} and 400,hbox {kHz} and an in situ storage CCD camera for burst-mode PIV measurements at 500,hbox {kHz}. For the CMOS system, the capability of measuring several characteristic quantities of turbulent flows is discussed with regard to the effects of uncertainty and spatial resolution. The presented system extends the range of suitable laser systems for high-speed PIV measurements offering continuous pulsing at repetition rates of up to 1,hbox {MHz} at a compact footprint. The amount of consecutive images is solely limited by the onboard storage of the camera, which enables unprecedented temporal dynamic ranges.Graphical

Spatial resolution issues in rough wall turbulence

The question whether spatial resolution effects should be accounted for when performing hot-wire (or particle image velocimetry) measurements in turbulent wall-bounded flows over rough surfaces in the fully rough regime is addressed and answered by exploiting an existing direct numerical simulation database of open-channel flows at Re_tau =500 over a rough surface consisting of randomly distributed roughness elements. The results show sizeable attenuation effects of the streamwise velocity fluctuation intensity, similar to smooth-wall flows with up to 70% for a wire width of around 100 viscous units. A suitable correction scheme is applied to successfully compensate for the spatial resolution effects. Both results indicate that spatial resolution effects are relevant also in fully rough flows and can be corrected a posteriori when the state-of-the-art criteria on sensor size cannot be achieved in experiments.Graphical

Estimation of Turbulent Length Scales at a Turbocharger Inlet Using Stereoscopic Particle Image Velocimetry

Abstract Stereoscopic particle image velocimetry (SPIV) measurements are carried out at the inlet of a turbocharger compressor at four different shaft speeds from 80,000 rpm to 140,000 rpm and over the entire range of flow rates from choke to mild surge. This paper describes the procedure used in processing the SPIV data leading to the estimates of turbulent length scales—integral, Taylor, and Kolmogorov, to enhance the fundamental understanding and characterization of the compressor inlet flow field. The analysis reveals that at most operating conditions, the three different length scales have markedly different magnitudes, as expected, while they have somewhat similar qualitative distributions with respect to the duct radius. For example, at 80,000 rpm and at a flowrate of 15.7 g/s (mild surge), the longitudinal integral length scale is of the order of 15 mm, the Taylor scale is around 0.5 mm, and the Kolmogorov scale is about 10 μm. With the onset of flow reversal, the turbulent kinetic energy and turbulent intensity at the compressor inlet are observed to increase rapidly, while the magnitudes of the Kolmogorov scale and to a certain extent, the Taylor scale are found to decrease suggesting that the increased turbulence gives rise to even smaller flow structures. The variation of length scales with compressor shaft speed has also been studied.

Experimental study of backflow air leakage through an opening from a depressurized enclosure

ABSTRACT In nuclear decommissioning and dismantling operations, a dynamic confinement is applied to all openings in order to prevent the transfer of pollutants outside depressurized enclosures and to insure the safety of workers. To guarantee an efficient dynamic confinement, ISO 16647 and ISO 17873 recommend to maintain a constant value for inward inflow velocity near the opening depending on the level of radioactive pollution hazard. The main purpose of this work is to identify possible conditions under which flow inversions near the opening may lead to gaseous pollutant leakage and then failure of the dynamic confinement. We aim at quantifying the amount of this backflow. Leakage from an experimental ventilated enclosure with a small opening on its frontal wall has been investigated. Laser flow visualizations and Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) measurements showed that the presence of an additional turbulent jet flow in competition with the inward confinement flow is among the main causes leading to leakage through opening. The gas tracing technique has provided experimental data to quantify the pollutant backflow and allowed us to compare different scenarios. We conclude that a new criterion based on local aeraulic conditions near the opening is relevant to guarantee an efficient confinement.

A Study of Recirculating Flow Fields Downstream of a Diverse Range of Axisymmetric Bluff Body Geometries Suitable for Flame Stabilization

This work investigates the non-reacting time averaged and fluctuating flow field characteristics downstream of a variety of axisymmetric baffles, operating in combination with an upstream double-cavity premixer arrangement. The study aims to broaden knowledge with respect to the impact of different bluff body shapes, leading and trailing edge flow contours, blockage ratios and incoming flow profiles impinging on the bluff body, on the development and properties of the downstream recirculating wake. Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) measurements have been employed to obtain the mean and turbulent velocity fields throughout the centrally located recirculation zone and the adjacent developing toroidal shear layer. The results are helpful in demarcating the cold flow structure variations in the near wake of the examined baffles which support and, to some extent, determine the flame anchoring performance and heat release disposition in counterpart reacting configurations. Additionally, such results could also assist in the selection of the most suitable flame stabilization configuration for fuels possessing challenging combustion behavior such as multi-component heavier hydrocarbons, biofuels, or hydrogen blends.

Effect of an Axially Tilted Variable Stator Vane Platform on Penny Cavity and Main Flow

Abstract This paper presents the impact of an axially tilted variable stator vane (VSV) platform on penny cavity flow and passage flow, with the aid of both optical and pneumatic measurements in an annular cascade wind tunnel as well as steady computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analyses. Variable stator vanes in axial compressors require a clearance from the endwalls. This means that penny cavities around the vane platform are inevitable. Production and assembly deviations can result in a vane platform which is tilted about the circumferential axis. Penny cavity and main flow in geometries with and without platform tilting were compared in an annular cascade wind tunnel. Detailed particle image velocimetry (PIV) measurements were conducted inside the penny cavity and in the vane passage. Steady pressure and velocity data was obtained by two-dimensional multi-hole pressure probe traverses in the inflow and the outflow. Furthermore, pneumatic measurements were carried out using pressure taps inside the penny cavity. Additionally, oil flow visualization was conducted on the airfoil, hub, and penny cavity surfaces. Steady CFD simulations have been benchmarked against experimental data. The results show that tilting the vane platform reduces the penny cavity leakage mass flow. By decreasing penny cavity leakage, platform tilting also affects the passage flow where it leads to a reduced turbulence level and total pressure loss in the leakage flow region. In summary, the paper demonstrates the influence of penny platform tilting on cavity flow and passage flow and provides new insights into the mechanisms of penny cavity-associated losses.

Unveiling the Flow Behavior Inside Gasoline Direct Injection Engine Cylinder Using High-Speed Time-Resolved Particle Image Velocimetry and Computational Fluid Dynamics Simulation

Abstract ricardo-vectis computational fluid dynamics simulation of the in-cylinder air flow was first validated with those of the experimental results from high-speed particle image velocimetry (PIV) measurements taking cognizant of the midcylinder tumble plane. Furthermore, high-speed fuel spray measurements were carried out simultaneously with the intake-generated tumble motion at high valve lift using high-speed time-resolved PIV to chronicle the spatial and time-based development of air/fuel mixture. The effect of injection pressure(32.5 and 35.0 MPa) and pressure variation across the air intake valves(150, 300, and 450 mmH2O) on the interaction process were investigated at a valve lift 10 mm where the tumble vortex was fully developed and filled the whole cylinder under steady-state conditions. The PIV results illustrated that the intake generated-tumble motion had a substantial impact on the fuel spray distortion and dispersion inside the cylinder. During the onset of the injection process, the tumble motion diverted the spray plume slightly toward the exhaust side before it followed completely the tumble vortex. The fuel spray plume required 7.2 ms, 6.2 ms, and 5.9 ms to totally follow the in-cylinder air motion for pressure differences 150, 300, and 450 mmH2O, respectively. Despite, the spray momentum was the same for the same injection pressure, the magnitude of kinetic energy was different for different cases of pressure differences and subsequently the in-cylinder motion strength.

Flow Coefficient and Reduced Frequency Effects on Wake-Boundary Layer Interaction in Highly Accelerated LPT Cascade

The paper presents a detailed analysis of particle image velocimetry (PIV) measurements performed in a turbine cascade representative of highly accelerated low-pressure turbine (LPT) blades. Two cameras have been simultaneously used to observe a great portion of the suction side boundary layer with the highest possible spatial resolution, thus allowing us to solve the interaction process between impinging upstream wakes and the blade boundary layer. Four unsteady inflow conditions, characterized by different incoming wake reduced frequencies and flow coefficients, have been examined at fixed Reynolds number. The highly resolved flow fields have been processed to explore reduced frequency and flow coefficient effects on the boundary layer unsteady transition process and, consequently, on loss production. For a deep physical insight on the mechanisms responsible for loss generation, proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) has been applied at different phases of the wake passing period. This has provided the dominant structures affecting the cascade aerodynamics during the wake period. Moreover, the examination of POD modes has allowed us to show the effects induced by the parameter variation on the turbulent kinetic energy production and thus to the unsteady loss production mechanisms.

Two-Phase Flow Mass Transfer Analysis of Airlift Pump for Aquaculture Applications

Airlift pumps can be used in the aquaculture industry to provide aeration while concurrently moving water utilizing the dynamics of two-phase flow in the pump riser. The oxygen mass transfer that occurs from the injected compressed air to the water in the aquaculture systems can be experimentally investigated to determine the pump aeration capabilities. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effects of various airflow rates as well as the injection methods on the oxygen transfer rate within a dual injector airlift pump system. Experiments were conducted using an airlift pump connected to a vertical pump riser within a recirculating system. Both two-phase flow patterns and the void fraction measurements were used to evaluate the dissolved oxygen mass transfer mechanism through the airlift pump. A dissolved oxygen (DO) sensor was used to determine the DO levels within the airlift pumping system at different operating conditions required by the pump. Flow visualization imaging and particle image velocimetry (PIV) measurements were performed in order to better understand the effects of the two-phase flow patterns on the aeration performance. It was found that the radial injection method reached the saturation point faster at lower airflow rates, whereas the axial method performed better as the airflow rates were increased. The standard oxygen transfer rate (SOTR) and standard aeration efficiency (SAE) were calculated and were found to strongly depend on the injection method as well as the two-phase flow patterns in the pump riser.

Aerodynamic Characteristics and Lateral Displacements of a Set of Two Buildings in a Linked Tall Building System.

This study evaluates the aerodynamic characteristics and lateral displacements of two staggered buildings in a linked-building (LB) system. Particle image velocimetry and pressure measurements are employed, and the lateral displacement is evaluated using a 3-dimensional analytical model. When the gap distance between two non-linked buildings is small, the wind flows in a narrow jet, and a strong suction is generated on the inner surfaces of the two buildings, leading to a large cross-wind-induced response. However, the cross-wind-induced response is significantly reduced when a link is installed, because the suction forces generated from the buildings are in opposite directions and have a negative aerodynamic correlation. Conversely, with a large gap distance, the buildings at the front obstruct the wind blowing toward the rear buildings. Therefore, while the pressure distribution, wind-force coefficients, and wind-induced responses of the front and rear buildings show similar trends, the magnitude of impact on the front building is larger than that on the rear building. Installing a link is demonstrated to reduce the wind-induced response of the buildings in an LB system. However, the reduction in the along-wind-induced response is less than that in the cross-wind-induced response when the gap distance is small.

Investigation of Film Cooling Using Time-Resolved Stereo Particle Image Velocimetry

Abstract In the present study, an existing test rig at the Institute of Thermal Turbomachinery (ITS), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), designed for generic film cooling studies is adopted to accommodate time-resolved stereoscopic particle image velocimetry (SPIV) measurements. Through a similarity analysis, the test rig geometry is scaled by a factor of about 20. Operating conditions of hot gas and cooling air inlet and exit can be imposed that are compliant with realistic engine conditions including density ratio (DR). The cooling air is supplied by a parallel-to-hot gas coolant flow-configuration with a coolant Reynolds number of 30, 000. Time-resolved and time-averaged stereo article image velocimetry data for a film cooling flow at high DR and a range of blowing ratios are presented in this study. The investigated film cooling hole constitutes a 10 deg–10 deg–10 deg laidback fan-shaped hole with a wide spacing of P/D = 8 to insure the absence of jet interaction. The inclination angle amounts to 35 deg. The time-resolved data indicate transient behavior of the film cooling jet.

Sediment bed destabilization by an isolated vortex: an experimental approach

The destabilization of an erodible sediment bed by a reproducible impulsive phenomenon is studied experimentally. For this, a specific setup is designed to produce a well-controlled isolated vortex, advected over a uniform sand bed. Particle image velocimetry (PIV) measurements are performed to get fluid flow information; suspended particles images are also recorded. A new measurement technique, based on a stereo-correlation method, provides a precise reconstruction of the bedform morphology over time. Strong turbulent structures (namely sweep events) are evidenced in a near-wall region, where particles are mainly dislodged. The sediment plume follows the vortex: in particular, the upward velocity inside maintains the suspension phenomenon. However, the dispersion process seems to be not dependent on the vortex parameters. Then, the bed morphology is investigated: a scour hole is dug as the vortex hits the granular layer. Its dynamics is described by a typical scour law, even if the initial perturbation is transient. Another area, where the particles settled, can be observed: it behaves like a ripple, with a logarithmic growth of its crest. This deposition region has a specific geometry, studied here by a Fourier contour approach. Finally, a pickup rate is also derived from the morphological data: it appears independent of the vortex and bedform features.

Turbulent jet stability increased by ribs inside the nozzle – Stereo PIV measurement one diameter past the nozzle

We observe that decreasing the inner nozzle surface by adding longitudinal ribs increases the jet stability in terms of the amount of turbulent kinetic energy in the near shear layer. We try to explain our observation as a stabilization effect of secondary flow vortices emerging in the corners of the ribs. These stream-wise vortices damage the development of larger-scale structures in the near shear layer. This explanation is supported by autocorrelation function of the stream-wise velocity component, which displays slightly smaller integral length-scale in the case with ribs than in the case of smooth nozzle. The experiment is performed at Reynolds number 2.2 × 105 (based on the nozzle diameter 50 mm); the Stereo-PIV (Particle Image Velocimetry) measurement takes place at the plane perpendicular to the jet axis one diameter past the nozzle exit. Optical 3D scanner controls the real nozzle geometry. This article presents preliminary measurement at single position and single velocity only; further exploration of this problem is needed.

Experimental Study on Flow Velocity Structure and Turbulence Characteristics in Open Channel with Biomimetic Grass

The problem of suspension treatment of oil and gas pipelines has been highly concerned by engineering construction units and researchers. Research shows that the bionic grass can effectively reduce the flow rate, promote sediment deposition, and control the development of the pipeline suspension area. The velocity distribution of open channel flow with bionic grass is very complex. The height and spacing of bionic grass will affect the flow velocity distribution. At present, the flow velocity in open channels containing bionic grass is mainly studied by measuring the velocity variation in the front, middle, and back of bionic grass, but few effective measurements are made for the full velocity field. This paper describes the use of modern means of an advanced test, using standard particle image velocimetry (PIV) measurements with bionic grass along the water channel to the vertical plane of the distribution of the velocity field. The probability density distribution, spatial correlation of pulsating velocity, turbulence intensity, Reynolds stress, and turbulent kinetic energy in the open channel after the protection section of bionic grass were further analyzed.

Effect of Soccer Ball Panels on Aerodynamic Characteristics and Flow in Drag Crisis

The panel patterns of soccer balls that change with each World Cup have a significant impact on the balls’ aerodynamic and flight characteristics. In this study, the aerodynamic forces of eleven types of soccer ball with different panel patterns were measured in a wind tunnel experiment. We characterized the panel shapes of soccer balls by the length, cross-sectional area, and the panel grooves’ volume. The results confirmed that the drag and drag crisis characteristics are dependent on the groove length and volumes. Flow separation points were visualized by an oil film experiment and particle image velocimetry (PIV) measurement to understand the drag crisis of the soccer balls. The results showed that the panel shape of the ball significantly changes the position of the separation point near the critical region, where the drags crisis occurs. In the critical region, laminar and turbulent flows coexist on the ball. On the other hand, the effect of panel shape on the separation point position is small in subcritical and supercritical states.

Auto-Aspirated DAF Sparger Study on Flow Hydrodynamics, Bubble Generation and Aeration Efficiency

A novel auto-aspirated sparger is examined experimentally in a closed-loop reactor (CLR) at lab scale using particle image velocimetry, high-speed camera and oxygen mass transfer rate measurements. State-of-the-art 3D printing technology was utilized to develop the sparger design in stainless steel. An insignificant change in the bubble size distribution was observed along the aerated flow, proving the existence of a low coalescence rate in the constraint domain of the CLR pipeline. The studied sparger created macrobubbles evenly dispersed in space. In pure water, the produced bubble size distribution from 190 to 2500 μm is controlled by liquid flow rate. The bubble size dynamics exhibited a power-law function of water flow rate approaching a stable minimum bubble size, which was attributed to the ratio of the fast-growing energy of the bubble surface tension over the kinetic energy of the stream. Potentially, the stream energy can efficiently disperse higher gas flow rates. The oxygen transfer rate was rapid and depended on the water flow rate. The aeration efficiency below 0.4 kW/m3 was superior to the commonly used aerating apparatuses tested at lab scale. The efficient gas dissolution technology has potential in water treatment and carbon capture processes applications.

Sediment Morphology and the Flow Velocity Field in a Gully Pot: An Experimental Study

Urban runoff (re)mobilises solids present on the street surface and transport them to urban drainage systems. The solids reduce the hydraulic capacity of the drainage system due to sedimentation and on the quality of receiving water bodies due to discharges via outfalls and combined sewer overflows (CSOs) of solids and associated pollutants. To reduce these impacts, gully pots, the entry points of the drainage system, are typically equipped with a sand trap, which acts as a small settling tank to remove suspended solids. This study presents data obtained using Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) and Laser Doppler Anemometry (LDA) measurements in a scale 1:1 gully to quantify the relation between parameters such as the gully pot geometry, discharge, sand trap depth, and sediment bed level on the flow field and subsequently the settling and erosion processes. The results show that the dynamics of the morphology of the sediment bed influences the flow pattern and the removal efficiency in a significant manner, prohibiting the conceptualization of a gully pot as a completely mixed reactor. Resuspension is initiated by the combination of both high turbulent fluctuations and high mean flow, which is present when a substantial bed level is present. In case of low bed levels, the overlaying water protects the sediment bed from erosion.