Acetone PLIF in a non-intrusive flow visualization technique that uses ultraviolet light to excite and fluoresce acetone molecules in a flow field. A thin Nd:YAG laser sheet is shined through a flow field that is seeded with acetone molecules. A fraction of the seeded acetone molecules fluoresce at a higher wavelength ( wavelength range - about 350-550nm). This fluorescence can be collected by a CCD and images of this flow field can be obtained. Image processing is then performed. Not only can acetone PLIF images provide qualitative information about the flow field, but they also can provide quantitative information such as density, pressure, temperature, and velocity. The Advanced Laser Diagnostics Laboratory is only using acetone PLIF to obtain density information.

                                                                         Single-Shot Acetone PLIF Image of a Low-Speed Jet

Brian S. Thurow, Associate Professor, Thurow@auburn.edu

Department of Aerospace Engineering

211 Davis Hall , Auburn University, AL 36849-5338

Phone: (334) 844-6827      Fax: (334) 844-6803