2-Dimensional particle tracking velocimetry (PTV): Technique and image processing algorithms

An automated particle track velocimeter (PTV) was constructed to determine the fluid velocity field in a transparent test section (an engine throttle body assembly is used as an example) by analyzing images of scattered light from hollow nylon particles as they move with the flow. The light from individual particles was imaged on an SIT vidicon at video rates, digitized on an FG100CD frame buffer board and analyzed automatically in an IBMPC/AT. The essence of this technique is a novel processing algorithm which converts particle track segments to flow velocity vectors at the rate of 2–3 images/minute with this hardware. An application of the technique to a gas phase flow ( 6.5 m/s) through this throttle body assembly is presented.