The measurement of square channel velocity profiles using a microcomputer-based image analysis system

• Published in: Experiments in fluids Vol. 10; no. 2-3; pp. 87 - 92
• Main Authors: CAMP, C. E, KOLB, W. B, SUBLETTE, K. L, CERRO, R. L
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Heidelberg Springer 01-01-1990; Berlin
• Subjects: channels; computer aided analysis; Exact sciences and technology; flow visualization; Fluid dynamics; Fundamental areas of phenomenology (including applications); Instrumentation for fluid dynamics; Physics; velocity measurement; Pipe flow; Velocity distribution; Measurement method; Particle tracks; Experimental study; Laser anemometer; Square section
• ISSN: 0723-4864; 1432-1114
• DOI: 10.1007/BF00215015

A technique was developed to perform automated velocity measurements from a sequence of particle images. A very thin sheet of laser light allows determination of essentially two-dimensional velocity profiles in very small conduits. After thresholding to eliminate particles not perfectly centered in the sheet of light, the sequence of pseudo-colored images of a given particle is used to determine its velocity. By measuring several two-dimensional velocity profiles across a square channel, the complete three-dimensional velocity profile was assembled. The experimentally measured velocity profile agrees closely with the known theoretical velocity profile for flow in a square channel.