Practical aspects of image recording in particle image velocimetry

Abstract

The aim of the paper is to present some practical aspects of PIV recording set-ups which are not often discussed in the literature. After a short presentation of the different possible light sources available, emphasis is put on the Nd:YAG laser which has contributed to the strong evolution of PIV. Then the elements needed to realize a light sheet from a laser source are presented and discussed. Finally, the basic optics knowledge needed to record good particle images is recalled with emphasis on points of importance for PIV.