Curved laser-sheet for conformal surface flow diagnostics

Three-dimensional surface illumination using curved laser-sheet techniques is introduced for optical flow measurements in conformal curved surfaces. The illumination method is applicable to many different optical-based flow measurement techniques, with this paper focusing on application to flow visualization and particle image velocimetry. A brief discussion and example of curved laser-sheet generation is given followed by an example of the technique applied to PIV of low Reynolds number transitional flow around a low-pressure turbine blade.