Novel particle image velocimetry system based on three-color pulsed lamps and image processing

A novel particle image velocimetry (PIV) measurement system based on flashed lamps as light sources and digital reconstruction of particle positions by image processing is presented. Three different colors are used in order to distinguish, on a same photograph, the corresponding positions of each moving particle at three different instants of time. This solution can give significant advantages in several aerodynamic and hydrodynamic situations. In particular, it allows high flexibility for velocity measurements and independent settings of different acquisition parameters, like pulse powers and timing. Furthermore, the developed PIV measurement system is fully transportable, eye-safe, practical, and economical. The first hydrodynamics measurements achieved by using the proposed velocimetry measurement system are reported.