Time-resolved Particle Tracking Velocimetry Research Articles

Generic Energy Function To Predict Particle Positions In 4D-PTV

Recent developments in time-resolved Particle Tracking Velocimetry (4D-PTV) consistently improved tracking accuracy and robustness by introducing predictive algorithms such as Shake-The-Box (STB). We propose a generic nondimensional energy function to predict particle positions by leveraging additional information from coherent neighbour motions. The proposed energy function is a combination of position history, neighbour velocity and acceleration terms. Coherent neighbours are quantified by locally utilising Finite Time Lyapunov Exponent (FTLE) as an objective Lagrangian Coherent Structure (LCS) diagnostic method. Synthetic analysis of the wake behind a smooth cylinder at Reynolds number equal to 3900 showed that the optimal solution of the minimised energy function could be modelled as a function of the measurement uncertainties. The model was assessed with the 2D homogeneous isotropic turbulent flow (HIT) as well and was found to be case and Reynolds independent. Results of the 4D-PTV experimental study of the same wake flow configurations are reported. We compared predicted positions with the optimised final positions of STB. It was found that the generic energy function succeeded in estimating particle positions with minimum deviation to the optimised positions in comparison with other techniques.

Physics-Driven PTV Interpolation Through Learned Regularization

This paper deals with spatial interpolation of instantaneous Particle Tracking Velocimetry (PTV) data. Such a task can be handled using generic signal processing tools like B-splines, radial basis functions (RBF) or Kriging. We deal with non time-resolved PTV as gathered by dual frame particle image velocimetry (PIV) systems followed by dual frame PTV algorithms. In such a dual frame context, Physics-based interpolation techniques typically rely on enforcement of divergence free constraints on the interpolated field. The aim of this communication is to explore the wider field of Physics-based PTV interpolators based on learning a deep neural network. These interpolators are learned on a database of flow examples that may be generated by high resolution PIV or DNS. We propose an instance of such a Physics-based PTV interpolator based on the machine learning concept of unrolled optimization. This concept is extended in order to deal with random measurement location, characteristic of PTV data. We also show how to use this concept to perform pressure estimation from PTV data, along with velocity interpolation. The concept is illustrated on a 2D laminar flow, DNS data is used to train and benchmark the proposed method against RBF interpolation. The proposed method is shown to be much more robust than RBF interpolation against low density seeding and noise.

Wake characteristics of complex-shaped snow particles: Comparison of numerical simulations with fixed snowflakes to time-resolved particle tracking velocimetry experiments with free-falling analogs

Experimental and numerical approaches have their own advantages and limitations, in particular, when dealing with complex phenomena such as snow particles falling at moderate Reynolds numbers (Re). Time-resolved, three-dimensional particle tracking velocimetry (4D-PTV) experiments of free-falling, three-dimensional (3D)-printed snowflakes' analogs shed light on the elaborate falling dynamics of irregular snow particles but present a lower resolution (tracer seeding density) and a limited field of view (domain size) to fully capture the wake flow. Delayed-detached eddy simulations of fixed snow particles do not realistically represent all the physics of a falling ice particle, especially for cases with unsteady falling attitudes, but accurately predict the drag coefficient and capture the wake characteristics for steadily falling snowflakes. In this work, we compare both approaches on time- and space-averaged flow quantities in the snowflake wake. First, we cross validate the two approaches for low Re cases, where close agreement of the wake features is expected, and second, we assess how strongly the unsteady falling motion perturbs the average wake pattern as compared to a fixed particle at higher Re. For steadily falling snowflakes, the fixed-particle model can properly represent the wake flow with errors within the experimental uncertainty (±15%). At moderate/high Re (unsteady falling motion), larger differences are present. Applying a co-moving frame to the experimental data to account for the particle movement or filtering the numerical data on larger grids reduces these differences only to some extent, implying that an unsteady fall significantly alters the average wake structure as compared to a fixed particle model.

Rapid change of particle velocity due to volatile gas release during biomass devolatilization

Our earlier study showed significant differences in average particle velocity between simulation and experimental results for devolatilizing biomass particles in an idealised entrained flow reactor [N. Guo et al., Fuel, 2020]. This indicates that the simulations do not accurately describe the physicochemical transformations and fluid dynamic processes during devolatilization. This article investigates the reasons for these discrepancies using time-resolved analyses of the experimental data and complementary modelling work. The experiments were conducted in a downdraft drop-tube furnace with optical access, which uses a fuel-rich flat flame (CH4O2CO2) to heat the particles. Gas flow was characterized using particle image velocimetry, equilibrium calculations and thermocouple measurements. High-speed images of devolatilizing Norway spruce (Picea Abies) particles were captured and analysed using time-resolved particle tracking velocimetry methods. The data were used to estimate the balance of forces and fuel conversion. Thrust and “rocket-like” motions were frequently observed, followed by quick entrainment in the gas flow. Rocketing particles were, on average, smaller, more spherical and converted faster than their non-rocketing counterparts. These differences in conversion behaviour could be captured by a particle-size dependent, 0-D devolatilization model, corrected for non-isothermal effects. The results from this investigation can provide a basis for future modelling and simulation work relevant for pulverized firing technologies.

Detached eddy simulations and tomographic PIV measurements of flows over surface combatant 5415 at straight-ahead and static drift conditions

A coupled experimental and computational study is performed to discuss the overall trend in surface combatant 5512 forces and moment and flow pattern with the change in hull drift angle (β) from straight-ahead (β = 0°) to static drift β = 10°–20° conditions. The local flow measurements were performed using tomographic particle image velocimetry (TPIV), which involved uncertainties ranging from <1% to 17% and the uncertainties decreased with the vortex progression. The surge force increased quadratically with the drift angle, whereas the sway force and yaw moment increased cubically. The wave elevation showed diverging wave pattern from both starboard and port sides. The wave angle increased and decreased on the port and starboard sides, respectively, with the increase in β. But the total wave envelop angle remained almost constant. Both experiments and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) predictions showed very similar vortical structures. The β = 0° flow showed structures emanating from the sonar dome, forebody keel, and bilge keel aligned which progressed along the hull. The static drift flows showed structures emanating from the sonar dome tip, bilge keel tip, and aft body keel which advected away from the hull. The primary vortices for the static drift case were circular and showed Gaussian or bell-shaped planar distribution. The vortex strength increased with β, and decreased with progression as vortices diffused. The momentum deficit in vortex core was sustained for β = 0° due to interaction with boundary layer. Whereas for β = 10° and 20°, the deficit increased due to turbulence generation in the core because of helical instability. The TPIV measurements, for the first time, provided detailed measurements for the progression of the vortical structures and associated mean and turbulent flow characteristics for ship flows. However, they have larger uncertainties near the hull, which limits analysis of the vortex onset characteristics. Future work should focus on time resolved particle tracking velocimetry (PTV) to address these issues.

Particle position prediction based on Lagrangian coherency for flow over a cylinder in 4D-PTV

Recent developments in time-resolved Particle Tracking Velocimetry (4D-PTV) consistently improved tracking accuracy and robustness. We propose a novel technique named ”Lagrangian coherent predictor” to estimate particle positions within the 4D-PTV algorithm. We add spatial and temporal coherency information of neighbour particles to predict a single trajectory using Lagrangian Coherent Structures (LCS). We found that even a weak signal from coherent neighbour motions improves particle prediction accuracy in complex flow regions. We applied Finite Time Lyapunov Exponent (FTLE) to quantify local boundaries (i.e. ridges) of coherent motions. Synthetic analysis of the wake behind a smooth cylinder at Reynolds number equal to 3900 showed enhanced estimation compared with the recent predictor functions employed in 4D-PTV. Results of the experimental study of the same flow configuration are reported. We compared predicted positions with the optimised final positions of Shake The Box (STB). It was found that the Lagrangian coherent predictor succeeded in estimating particle positions with minimum deviation to the optimised positions.

Propagation of perturbations and meandering in a free surface shallow water jet

A shallow water free-surface turbulent jet is investigated at Froude numbers variable between about 0.15 and 0.6 and a Reynolds number equal to 5000, with a jet height-to-width aspect ratio variable from 0.5 to 1.1. In these experimental conditions, the flow is unstable and develops local transverse instabilities, which are amplified to a global meandering motion, forcing the jet to oscillate orthogonally to its axis. Instantaneous and averaged velocity fields are obtained by means of high-density, correlation-based time-resolved Particle Tracking Velocimetry. From the average point of view, the present jet configuration resembles a confined jet condition similar to that of wall jets, but with additional relevant three-dimensional effects, retaining self-similar properties, with a net co-flow and some ambient fluid entrainment. For increasing Froude numbers, such configuration is moved downstream and the jet spreading is delayed. The high resolution in space and time of present measurements allows to locally detect and following perturbed patterns and to derive amplitude and frequency of oscillation of the global meandering motion, the former increasing with axial distance and decreasing with Froude number, the latter doing just the opposite. The velocity of propagation of perturbed patterns is also investigated in comparison to the jet mean velocity, the local celerity of propagation of fluctuating velocity fields being derived. Results indicate that axial fluctuations propagate downstream similarly to transverse fluctuations along the orthogonal direction, thus showing a close coupling among the two motions and the onset of a self-sustained mechanism driven by the mean flow, responsible for the generation of the macroscopic meandering motion. This effect is in agreement with numerical predictions and is emphasised as the Froude number increases.

Dynamics and wall collision of inertial particles in a solid–liquid turbulent channel flow

The dynamics and wall collision of inertial particles were investigated in non-isotropic turbulence of a horizontal liquid channel flow. The inertial particles were $125~\unicode[STIX]{x03BC}\text{m}$ glass beads at a volumetric concentration of 0.03 %. The bead-laden flow and the unladen base case had the same volumetric flow rates, with a shear Reynolds number, $Re_{\unicode[STIX]{x1D70F}}$, of the unladen flow equal to 410 based on the half-channel height and friction velocity. Lagrangian measurements of three-dimensional trajectories of both fluid tracers and glass beads were obtained using time-resolved particle tracking velocimetry based on the shake-the-box algorithm of Schanz et al. (Exp. Fluids, vol. 57, no. 5, 2016, pp. 1–27). The analysis showed that on average the near-wall glass beads decelerate in the streamwise direction, while farther away from the wall, the streamwise acceleration of the glass beads became positive. The ejection motions provided a local maximum streamwise acceleration above the buffer layer by transporting glass beads to high velocity layers and exposing them to a high drag force in the streamwise direction. Conversely, the sweep motion made the maximum contribution to the average streamwise deceleration of glass beads in the near-wall region. The wall-normal acceleration of the beads was positive in the vicinity of the wall, and it became negative farther from the wall. The investigation showed that the glass beads with sweeping motion had the maximum momentum, streamwise deceleration, and wall-normal acceleration among all the beads close to the wall and these values increased with increasing their trajectory angle. The investigation of the beads that collided with the wall showed that those with shallow impact angles (less than $1.5^{\circ }$) typically slide along the wall. The sliding beads had a small streamwise momentum exchange of ${\sim}5\,\%$ during these events. The duration of their sliding motion could be as much as five times the inner time scale of the unladen flow. The wall-normal velocity of these beads after sliding was greater than their wall-normal velocity before sliding, and was associated with the rotation induced lift force. Beads with impact angles greater than $1.5^{\circ }$ had shorter interaction times with the wall and smaller streamwise and wall-normal restitution ratios.

Marangoni convection at electrogenerated hydrogen bubbles.

Electrolytic gas evolution is a fundamental phenomenon occurring in a large number of industrial applications. In these processes gas bubbles are formed at the electrode from a supersaturated solution. Since dissolved gases can change the surface tension, a gas concentration gradient may cause the surface tension to vary locally at the interface of the gas bubble. Surface tension gradients may also form due to temperature gradients generated by ohmic heating of the electrolyte. In both cases, the resulting shear stress imposes a convection in the electrolyte and the gas bubble (Marangoni effect). This phenomenon may influence the entire electrolytic gas evolution process, e.g., by an enhanced mass transfer. In this study, the first evidence of the Marangoni convection near growing hydrogen bubbles, generated by water electrolysis, is provided. Microscopic high speed imaging was applied to study the evolution of single hydrogen bubbles at a microelectrode. The convection near the interface of the growing bubble was measured by using a time-resolved Particle Tracking Velocimetry (PTV) technique. The results indicate a clear correlation between the magnitude of the Marangoni convection and the electric current.

Hierarchy of hybrid unsteady-flow simulations integrating time-resolved PTV with DNS and their data-assimilation capabilities

Data-assimilation capabilities of hybrid-type simulations integrating time-resolved particle image velocimetry with unsteady computational fluid dynamics (CFD) are characterized, and a series of algorithms developed previously are evaluated in terms of four criteria: (i) compatibility with the governing equations; (ii) completeness of a set of flow quantities; (iii) temporal and spatial filtering functions; and (iv) spatial resolution. This study specifically introduces a hierarchy of three hybrid simulations combining time-resolved particle tracking velocimetry (PTV) and direct numerical simulation (DNS) from low to high fidelities: the proper orthogonal decomposition–Galerkin-projection approach with proportional feedback of PTV data, the DNS solver with similar feedback, and the DNS solver with the extended Kalman filter. By solving a planar-jet problem at , we demonstrate that the resultant hybrid flow fields essentially (i) satisfy the governing equations spatially and approximately temporally, and (ii) can provide instantaneous pressure fields (iii) with the noise levels substantially lower than those of the original PTV data and (iv) the resolution comparable to CFD. The results show that increasing the feedback gain improves replicability, i.e. the agreement between the simulation and the data; however, it degrades temporal compatibility and filtering functions. On the other hand, the fidelity enhances both replicability and spatial filtering, but increases computational cost.

Measurement of subcooled flow boiling using Particle Tracking Velocimetry and infrared thermographic technique

Time resolved Particle Tracking Velocimetry (PTV) experiments were carried out to investigate turbulent, subcooled flow boiling through a vertical rectangular channel with a heated wall. Measurements of heated wall temperature using infrared camera were acquired. Simultaneous measurements of liquid and vapor bubbles velocity were measured using PTV. In addition, the dynamic of the bubbles were studied using Shadowgraphy technique. Turbulence statistics are inferred from PTV full-field velocity measurements. Quantities such as: instantaneous 2D velocity fields, time-averaged axial and normal velocities, axial and normal turbulence intensities, and Reynolds stresses are obtained. The present results provide new information due to the full-field nature of the technique. This work is an attempt to provide turbulent subcooled boiling flow data for validation and improvement of two phase flow computational models.

A Method for Identifying and Visualizing Foreign Particle Motion Using Time-Resolved Particle Tracking Velocimetry

Gas turbines for aircraft are designed for operation with a clean inlet air flow. This ideal operational condition is often violated during take-off and landing, where the probability of particle ingestion is high, with sand and dirt being the most commonly observed foreign particles. Current research on particle ingestion has identified several mechanisms that contribute to performance degradation in the turbine: erosion of internal and external surfaces, and flow blockages of film-cooling holes and internal cooling passages. The focus of the study given in this paper is to present a method that identifies the motion of foreign particles within an internal ribbed passage. The method uses a high-resolution, flow field interrogation method known as time-resolved digital particle image velocimetry (TRDPIV). Observations from the two-phase flows showed that particle collisions occurred more frequently on the upstream surface of the ribs, especially in the inlet region. Results from these collisions included substantial particle breakup, and a particle rebounding phenomenon between the upper and lower walls. Comparisons are made to large eddy simulation predicted particle trajectories indicating some agreement, as well as phenomena that are not predicted due to the inherent assumption of the modeling.

Effect of bubbles on turbulent kinetic energy transport in downward flow measured by time-resolved PTV

A time-resolved particle tracking velocimetry (PTV) system and a shape projection imaging system were used to investigate the turbulence modifications by bubbles in a downward bubbly flow. Two bubble sizes and three mean void fractions were tested at a Reynolds number of about 20,000. The strong modifications in the mean velocity, turbulent kinetic energy (TKE) budget, and velocity spectra are observed in the central region of the pipe that has a high local void fraction. In particular, kinetic energy production decreased, whereas the TKE dissipation rate increased. This suggests that the transfer of energy due to bubbles has a very large effect on the TKE budget. Moreover, velocity spectra reveal that the presence of bubbles modifies the length scales of turbulent eddies, which contain, transfer, and dissipate energy.

PTV experiments of subcooled boiling flow through a vertical rectangular channel

Time resolved Particle Tracking Velocimetry (PTV) experiments were carried out to investigate turbulent, subcooled boiling flow of refrigerant HFE-301 through a vertical rectangular channel with one heated wall. Measurements were performed with liquid Reynolds numbers (based on the hydraulic diameter) of Re = 3309, 9929 and 16,549 over a wall heat flux range of 0.0–64.0 kW/m 2. Turbulence statistics are inferred from PTV full-field velocity measurements. Quantities such as: instantaneous 2D velocity fields, time-averaged axial and normal velocities, axial and normal turbulence intensities, and Reynolds stresses are obtained. The present results agree well with previous studies and provides new information due to the full-field nature of the technique. This work is an attempt to provide turbulent subcooled boiling flow data for validation and improvement of two-phase flow computational models.

Instability waves in a low-Reynolds-number planar jet investigated with hybrid simulation combining particle tracking velocimetry and direct numerical simulation

Instability waves in a laminar planar jet are extracted using hybrid unsteady-flow simulation combining particle tracking velocimetry (PTV) and direct numerical simulation (DNS). Unsteady velocity fields on a laser sheet in a water tunnel are measured with time-resolved PTV; subsequently, PTV velocity fields are rectified in a least squares sense so that the equation of continuity is satisfied, and they are transplanted to a two-dimensional incompressible Navier–Stokes solver by setting a multiple of the computational time step equal to the frame rate of the PTV system. As a result, the unsteady hybrid velocity field approaches that of the measured one over time, and we can simultaneously acquire the unsteady pressure field. The resultant set of flow quantities satisfies the governing equations, and their resolution is comparable to that of numerical simulation with the noise level much lower than the original PTV data. From hybrid unsteady velocity fields, we extract eigenfunctions using bi-orthogonal decomposition as a spatial problem for viscous instability. We also investigate stability/convergence characteristics of the hybrid simulation referring to linear stability analysis.

Unsteady PTV velocity field past an airfoil solved with DNS: Part 2. Validation and application at Reynolds numbers up to Re ≤ 104

Hybrid unsteady-flow simulation combining particle tracking velocimetry (PTV) and direct numerical simulation (DNS) is introduced in the series of two papers. Particle velocities on a laser-light sheet acquired with time-resolved PTV in a water tunnel are supplied to two-dimensional DNS with time intervals corresponding to the frame rate of the PTV. Hybrid velocity fields then approach those representing the PTV data in the course of time, and the reconstructed velocity fields satisfy the governing equations with the resolution comparable to numerical simulation. In part 2, by extending the capabilities of the hybrid simulation to higher Reynolds numbers, we simulate flows past the NACA0012 airfoil over ranges of Reynolds numbers (Re ≤ 104) and angles of attack (−5° ≤ α ≤ 20°) and validate the proposed technique by comparing with experimental results in terms of the lift and drag coefficients. We also compare the results with unsteady Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (URANS) simulation in two-dimensions and show the advantages of the hybrid simulation against two-dimensional URANS.

Unsteady PTV velocity field past an airfoil solved with DNS: Part 1. Algorithm of hybrid simulation and hybrid velocity field at Re ≈ 103

We develop a hybrid unsteady-flow simulation technique combining direct numerical simulation (DNS) and particle tracking velocimetry (PTV) and demonstrate its capabilities by investigating flows past an airfoil. We rectify instantaneous PTV velocity fields in a least-squares sense so that they satisfy the equation of continuity, and feed them to the DNS by equating the computational time step with the frame rate of the time-resolved PTV system. As a result, we can reconstruct unsteady velocity fields that satisfy the governing equations based on experimental data, with the resolution comparable to numerical simulation. In addition, unsteady pressure distribution can be solved simultaneously. In this study, particle velocities are acquired on a laser-light sheet in a water tunnel, and unsteady flow fields are reconstructed with the hybrid algorithm solving the incompressible Navier–Stokes equations in two dimensions. By performing the hybrid simulation, we investigate nominally two-dimensional flows past the NACA0012 airfoil at low Reynolds numbers. In part 1, we introduce the algorithm of the proposed technique and discuss the characteristics of hybrid velocity fields. In particular, we focus on a vortex shedding phenomenon under a deep stall condition (α = 15°) at Reynolds numbers of Re = 1000 and 1300, and compare the hybrid velocity fields with those computed with two-dimensional DNS. In part 2, the extension to higher Reynolds numbers is considered. The accuracy of the hybrid simulation is evaluated by comparing with independent experimental results at various angles of attack and Reynolds numbers up to Re = 104. The capabilities of the hybrid simulation are also compared with two-dimensional unsteady Reynolds-Averaged Navier–Stokes (URANS) solutions in part 2. In the first part of these twin papers, we demonstrate that the hybrid velocity field approaches the PTV velocity field over time. We find that intensive alternate vortex shedding past the airfoil, which is predicted by the two-dimensional DNS, is substantially suppressed in the hybrid simulation and the resultant flow field is similar to the PTV velocity field, which is projection of the three-dimensional velocity field on the streamwise plane. We attempt to identify the motion that originates three-dimensional flow patterns by highlighting the deviation of the PTV velocity field from the two-dimensional governing equations at each snapshot. The results indicate that the intensive spots of the deviation appear in the regions in which three-dimensional instabilities are induced in the shear layer separated from the pressure side.

Flow Measurements in Microspace Using Sub-Micron Fluorescent Particles. Proposal of Spatial Averaged Time-Resolved PTV Considering Brownian Motion of Tracer Particles.

A measurement technique for a flow field in a microchannel was developed using sub-micron fluorescent particles. The present study focused on a novel measurement technique so called Spatial Averaged Time-resolved Particle Tracking Velocimetry (SAT-PTV) which is able to detect the temporal variation of a fluid flow eliminating the effect of Brownian motion of the sub-micron tracer particles. Velocity vectors of individual tracer particles were averaged within a local small area, instead of temporal aerage, to realize higher time resolution. SAT-PTV method was evaluated by synthetic particle images in both a uniform flow and a flow with linear velocity gradient and the method confirmed the reduction of the measurement errors associated with Brownian motion. The validation of the present technique was performed in a microchannel flow with the time resolution of 37 ms.