Automated analysis of multiple-pulse particle image velocimetry data.

An application of multiple-pulse particle image velocimetry to the study of particle motion in a two-phase flow through a cylindrical tube bank is described. An algorithm is developed that automatically analyzes the digital, multiply exposed pictures of this flow and determines the particle trajectories, using a linear particle image tracking method. From these trajectories particle velocities as well as points of impact and angles of incidence and rebound for particles that collide with the cylinder surfaces are determined. This algorithm is sufficiently rapid that data can be collected and analyzed contemporaneously.