Feasibility study of in-line particle image velocimetry

Abstract This article describes recent tests and developments of imaging and evaluation techniques for particle image velocimetry (PIV) that exploit the forward scattering of tracer particles by placing the camera in-line with the illuminating light source, such as a laser or a light emitting diode. These techniques have been in use for some time in microscopy and in the design of optical instruments in astronomy. However, they have not yet been used for macroscopic PIV flow measurements. This study highlights the most promising approaches of the various recording configurations and evaluation techniques.