Simultaneous Particle Imaging Velocimetry and Thermometry (PIVT) in Reacting Flows.

The dynamics of turbulent combustion processes necessitate the measurement of multiple quantities simultaneously, but measuring multiple variables generally requires multiple laser-based diagnostics. Combining temperature and velocity measurements in a single diagnostic offers the opportunity for greatly increased understanding while minimizing experimental expense and complexity. ORBITEC and the University of Wisconsin-Madison (UW-Madison) propose to develop a simultaneous velocity/temperature measurement system based on seeding of doped nanocrystals into gas phase flows. Simultaneous 2-D measurements will enable detailed investigations of combustion in a variety of environments including piston IC engines, gas turbines, and rockets. The Phase I work will develop the technique and demonstrate a prototype measurement system. The Phase II experiments will apply the newly developed technique to acquire temperature and velocity measurements in practical combustion environments. These experiments will demonstrate utility of the technique and will quantify the performance metrics of the technique over a wider range of Mach number and temperatures. The result of the STTR program will be an innovative method to simultaneously measure temperature and velocity fields in combusting flows that will be extremely useful in a wide range of military and civilian applications.