Liquid-Crystal-Particle Thermometry and Velocimetry System

Overview

The document is a master's thesis titled "Development of a 3-D Defocusing Liquid Crystal Particle Thermometry and Velocimetry (3DDLCPTV) System" authored by David Robert Schmitt at the University of Washington. It was submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for a Master of Science degree in Aeronautics and Astronautics.

The thesis presents a novel approach to measuring temperature and velocity in fluid flows using a 3D defocusing technique with liquid crystal particles. This method aims to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of thermometry and velocimetry, which are critical in various applications, including aerodynamics, combustion, and environmental studies.

The document includes a comprehensive introduction that outlines the significance of accurate temperature and velocity measurements in fluid dynamics. It discusses the limitations of existing techniques and the need for improved methodologies that can provide detailed spatial and temporal data.

The background section reviews previous work in the field, highlighting advancements in particle-based measurement techniques and the role of liquid crystals in temperature sensing. The thesis details the principles of defocusing and how it can be leveraged to obtain three-dimensional information from the particle images.

The methodology section describes the experimental setup and the design of the 3DDLCPTV system. It explains the process of calibrating the liquid crystal particles, capturing images, and analyzing the data to extract temperature and velocity fields. The author emphasizes the importance of rigorous testing and validation to ensure the reliability of the measurements.

Results from the experiments are presented, showcasing the system's capabilities in various flow conditions. The findings demonstrate the potential of the 3DDLCPTV system to provide high-resolution measurements that can significantly contribute to the understanding of complex fluid dynamics.

The thesis concludes with a discussion of the implications of the research, potential applications, and suggestions for future work. It emphasizes the importance of continued innovation in measurement techniques to advance the field of aeronautics and related disciplines.

Overall, this thesis represents a significant contribution to the field of fluid dynamics, offering a new tool for researchers and engineers to better understand and analyze fluid behavior in various contexts.