Particle Imaging Velocimetry (PIV)

Particle Imaging Velocimetry (PIV) provides users with the velocity profile of a whole flow field in 2D or 3D space.  Measurements from these yield vector maps of the flow under study which aid in understanding fluid mechanics from supersonics jets to the microchannels. These models are similar to that of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) models.

In a typical PIV setup, the "seeded" flow is illuminated by two laser pulses separated in time. An advanced interline CCD or a high-speed CMOS camera is synchronized with the lasers in order to capture two full resolution images. By performing cross correlation between the two images, the displacement of the seeding particles (and the local flow) is computed.

Solutions from Princeton Instruments

Interline CCDs with alternate columns of masked and light sensitive areas are capable of capturing two full resolution images in quick succession. For example, the CoolSNAP: HQ camera can capture such a pair with 200nsec interframe time. The camera is designed with flexible triggering for synchronization with PIV lasers. 

Recommended products include:

CoolSNAP: HQ

• High-resolution, 1392x1040 CCD
• "Paired" mode to capture two images 200nsec apart
• Special "on-chip accumulation" for increased SNR
• Fiber optic data interface for remote operation from up to 300 meters