Three-Dimensionial Imaging System for Three-Dimensional Velocity and Temperature Measurement
Introduction Turbulent convective heat and mass transfer is one of the most frequently encountered physical processes in applied engineering, and can be inherently difficult to study and to predict. These flows are a combination of turbulent fluid dynamics, heat or mass transfer, and their interaction as affected by the complex geometries in which they occur. While laminar convective heat transfer is well understood, turbulent convective heat transfer is not, making its prediction using numerical methods often difficult and inaccurate. Each improvement in our understanding has come largely as a result of better observational techniques. Prior global measurement systems have either allowed for the measurement of temperature or velocity, but never simultaneously. Technology description Researchers at the University of Washington have invented a three-dimensional imaging system devised to allow for the measurement of temperature and velocity within a volume. By combining 3D Digital Particle Image Velocimetry (3DDPIV and Digital Particle Image Thermometry (DPIT into one system, this technique provides simultaneous temperature and velocity data in a volume of ~1x1x0.5 in 3 using temperature sensitive liquid crystal particles as flow sensors. Two high-intensity xenon flashlamps are used as illumination sources. The imaging system consists of six CCD cameras, three allocated for measuring velocity, based on particle motion, and three for measuring temperature, based on particle color. The cameras are optically aligned using a precision grid and high-resolution translation stages. Temperature calibration is performed using a precision thermometer and a temperature-controlled bath. Business opportunity To date, no other experimental technique allows for the gathering of both instantaneous velocity and temperature data in a true 3D volume. This research has tremendous potential to benefit society by impacting energy conservation efforts and development of energy efficient devices. New knowledge of turbulent convective flow physics can lead to the ability to accurately predict them through proper LES modeling. Furthermore, our research can help reduce industry costs by permitting analyses to be conducted numerically rather than experimentally. In an ever increasing energy conscious society, this will result in more efficient devices (i.e. heat exchangers and combustors , ultimately saving in energy costs. Intellectual Property Position This technology is available for licensing. U.S. patent protection is pending. For more information on this technology contact:Type of Offer: Licensing
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