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Phosphorescent tracer particles for Lagrangian flow measurement and particle tracking velocimetry

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Abstract

A new technique for manufacturing neutrally buoyant phosphorescent tracer particles for use in Lagrangian flow measurement and particle tracking velocimetry is presented. The particles can be manufactured with inexpensive equipment and materials, using three ingredients: paraffin wax, Keywax (a wax–rubber polymer) and LumiNova® phosphorescent pigment. Particles can be made with a range of diameters (150–4,000 μm) and, when seeded throughout the flow, can be excited at the peak excitation wavelength of the pigment using a focused source of ultraviolet light. Under a range of lighting conditions, it is possible to excite a single particle or a chosen region of the flow to record and analyze their Lagrangian flow path. To demonstrate this technique, sample images are provided for flow in a laboratory channel with a side embayment.

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Acknowledgments

This work was supported by a grant from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada. The authors would like to thank Karen Ng and Dr. James Nicell for their assistance and guidance on this research.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Golder Associates Ltd, 4260 Still Creek Drive, Burnaby, British Columbia, V5C 6C6, Canada

    L. Kemp

  2. Department of Civil Engineering, University of Ottawa, 161 Louis-Pasteur, Ottawa, Ontario, K1N 6N5, Canada

    Elizabeth C. Jamieson

  3. Department of Civil Engineering and Applied Mechanics, McGill University, 817 Sherbrooke St. W, Montreal, Quebec, H3A 2K6, Canada

    S. J. Gaskin

Authors
  1. L. Kemp
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  2. Elizabeth C. Jamieson
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  3. S. J. Gaskin
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Correspondence to Elizabeth C. Jamieson.

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Kemp, L., Jamieson, E.C. & Gaskin, S.J. Phosphorescent tracer particles for Lagrangian flow measurement and particle tracking velocimetry. Exp Fluids 48, 927–931 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00348-009-0818-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00348-009-0818-z

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