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Droplet imaging velocimeter and sizer: a two-dimensional technique to measure droplet size

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Abstract

This paper discusses the droplet imaging velocimeter and sizer (DIVAS), a two-dimensional technique to measure droplet size from very small droplets (a few microns) to very large drops (millimeters), as well as droplet velocity and concentration. DIVAS uses a particle imaging velocimetry (PIV) configuration; that is, pulsed lasers illuminate the droplets in the measurement plane and CCD cameras collect the off-axis scattered light, thus yielding a small measurement volume and correspondingly a high number density measurement capability. DIVAS is based on glare point imaging as described by van de Hulst and Wang (Appl Opt 30(33):4755–4763, 1991). By measuring the separation of cross-polarized glare points, DIVAS is capable of measuring droplet size down to a few microns with sub-pixel resolution. The measurement of large drops from the separation of glare points is straightforward. However, the paper discusses that large drops are often non-spherical and more advanced signal processing is required to retrieve their size. Both analytical studies and experiments are presented to demonstrate the feasibility of the technique.

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Acknowledgments

We are grateful for the financial and technical support of this work provided by a contract from Arnold Engineering Development Center (Contract no. FA9101-06-C-0193, Mr. Ron Bishel, Administrative POC) under the technical direction of Dr. Joe Wehrmeyer. We also acknowledge the assistance by Dr. Callum Gray from LaVision in the operation of the PIV system. Approved for public release by the US Air Force; distribution is unlimited.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. MetroLaser, Inc, Irvine, CA, USA

    Cecil F. Hess & Drew L’Esperance

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  1. Cecil F. Hess
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  2. Drew L’Esperance
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Correspondence to Cecil F. Hess.

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Hess, C.F., L’Esperance, D. Droplet imaging velocimeter and sizer: a two-dimensional technique to measure droplet size. Exp Fluids 47, 171–182 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00348-009-0645-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00348-009-0645-2

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