PPPL-5286

An IR-camera based particle-tracking technique to measure free-surface velocity in liquid metal systems

Authors: M. Hvasta, E. Kolemen, A. Fisher

Abstract: Measuring free-surface liquid metal flow velocity is challenging to do in a reliable and accurate manner.  This paper presents a non-invasive, easily-calibrated method of measuring the surface velocities of open-channel liquid metal flows using an IR camera.  Unlike other spatially-limited methods, this IR camera particle tracking technique provides full field-of-view data that can be used to better understand open-channel flows and determine surface boundary conditions.  This method could be implemented and automated for a wide range of liquid metal experiments, even if they operate at high-temperature or within strong magnetic fields.

Submitted to: Review of Scientific Instruments
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Download PPPL-5286 (pdf 2.3 MB 7 pp)
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