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PIV with laser and LED illumination

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In collaboration with ILA_5150 GmbH, a leader in Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) solutions, we offer advanced systems that enable real-time visualization of fluid dynamics.

Innovations in Particle Imaging: Real-Time Visualization of Fluid Dynamics

Understanding fluid behavior is crucial across various scientific and engineering disciplines, from aerodynamics to biomedical engineering. Traditional methods of studying fluid flow often involve complex calculations and indirect measurements, which can be time-consuming and less accurate. ILA_5150’s PIV technology revolutionizes this process by providing direct, real-time visualizations of fluid motion.

How ILA_5150’s PIV Technology Works

PIV is an optical method that captures the movement of seeded particles within a fluid to map out the velocity field. The basic setup includes:

  • Light Source: Typically, a laser or LED system that illuminates a thin plane of the fluid.
  • Optics: Components that shape the light into a sheet, illuminating only the region of interest.
  • Cameras: High-speed cameras that capture sequential images of the illuminated particles.
  • Synchronizer: A device that precisely coordinates the timing between the light source and the cameras.
  • Seeding Particles: Microscopic particles introduced into the fluid to act as tracers.
  • Software: Advanced algorithms that analyze the captured images to calculate velocity vectors and generate visualizations.

This setup allows researchers to obtain instantaneous velocity measurements and related properties in fluids, providing a comprehensive understanding of flow dynamics.

Applications and Benefits

ILA_5150’s PIV systems have been successfully implemented in various applications:

  • In-Cylinder Flow Analysis: High-speed imaging of spray from multi-hole gasoline injectors was conducted within an optical engine at a repetition rate of 16 kHz, aiding in the development of more efficient combustion systems.
  • Marine Research: Observing “marine snow” in challenging environments aboard research vessels, contributing to our understanding of oceanic particulate matter.
  • Automotive Engineering: 2D-3C measurements in the wake of axial automotive fans to validate computational fluid dynamics (CFD) results, leading to improved cooling system designs.

By integrating ILA_5150’s PIV technology, researchers and engineers can visualize complex fluid interactions in real-time, leading to more accurate analyses and accelerated innovation. At Blink Technology, we are proud to offer these advanced PIV solutions, empowering our clients to push the boundaries of what’s possible in fluid dynamics research.

DIC Publication – Vic 3D

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Just published (open access) in Advanced Manufacturing – new research deploying the VIC-3D system as part of a “a novel approach for fabricating high-resolution components with both spatially tailored material properties and design by leveraging selective powder deposition (SPD) in conventional LPBF processing”!

Fracture mechanisms in Multi-material laser powder bed fusion are investigated through multi-scale domain techniques, including flexural testing supported by digital image correlation (DIC), finite element analysis (FEA), and intermittent micro-CT. Findings from this study demonstrate the current technological opportunities and challenges in the adoption of MM-LPBF for a wide range of applications such as thermo-fluidic surfaces, solid-state energy storage, and biodegradable implants.

See the full article from the team at Penn State below

https://rdcu.be/eehIr

High Speed Cameras in Scientific Advancements

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High-speed imaging has become indispensable in scientific research, enabling the capture and analysis of rapid events across various disciplines. Photron, a leader in high-speed camera technology, offers tools that have significantly advanced scientific studies.

The Role of High-Speed Cameras in Scientific Advancements

High-speed cameras allow researchers to observe phenomena that occur too quickly for the naked eye, providing insights into processes ranging from chemical reactions to biological movements. Photron’s cameras, such as the FASTCAM series, are renowned for their ability to record high-resolution images at frame rates up to 2.1 million frames per second, making them invaluable in both industrial and academic research.

Applications in Research and Development

In research laboratories and academic institutions, Photron’s high-speed imaging systems have been utilized to study a wide array of events. For instance, researchers have employed these cameras to analyze airbag deployment, enhancing automotive safety measures. The versatility of Photron’s cameras, capable of achieving high frame rates without compromising resolution, makes them ideal for diverse testing applications.

Photron’s high-speed cameras have significantly contributed to scientific advancements by providing researchers with the tools to observe and analyze rapid events across various fields. Their applications in both industrial and academic settings underscore their versatility and importance in modern scientific research. If you have a research project which has used a Photron camera reach out to have it shared through our channels.

For a closer look at Photron’s high-speed camera technologies, view their youtube channel below: https://youtu.be/cKT_1RMaMW0 

Integrated Software Development Kit for Zoom Thermal Camera

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The ImageIR® 6300Z zoom infrared camera is now even more flexible than before.

The ImageIR® 6300 Z zoom infrared camera is smaller, lighter, does not require any time-consuming lens changes – and now also boasts an integrated Software Development Kit (SDK). With technical features such as the 7.5x zoom lens with motor focus (built in as standard) and its compact size, the radiometrically calibrated zoom camera was already a force to be reckoned with.

Now it is taking things to the next level: with the ImageIR® 6300 Z, a new generation of electronics is entering the field of thermography, allowing an operating system to be embedded directly in the camera (embedded system). In addition to the well-known benefits of a Software Development Kit, the integrated SDK opens up numerous other possibilities for users:

  • Independent operation of the camera without PC
  • Automated control of camera functions with the aid of the integrated SDK
  • Implementation of evaluation algorithms and camera control based on these algorithms directly in the camera

These SDK functions make it possible to let the thermography camera run autonomously. If programmed appropriately, the camera no longer requires a permanent, stable network connection to a PC. This makes it ideal for use in hard-to-reach places and facilitates integration into and adaptation to existing systems.

The new integrated Software Development Kit was developed and optimised by InfraTec in collaboration with customers from industrial and research environments.

View Product

Featured Research – Photron High Speed Cameras and DIC

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Fracture behaviour of reaction-bonded silicon carbide-boron carbide using digital image correlation

The study investigates the fracture behavior of Reaction-Bonded Silicon Carbide-Boron Carbide (RBSBC) ceramics using the Digital Image Correlation (DIC) method. A Photron NOVA S Series camera, capturing at 137,500 frames per second, was crucial in documenting the rapid crack propagation and brittle behavior characteristic of these ceramics. Proper lighting setup was essential to ensure high-quality image capture and accurate data.

RBSBC exhibited transgranular failure, with randomly dispersed coarse B4C grains deflecting the crack path and increasing the overall crack length. The material’s resistance to crack propagation was evaluated using Crack Tip Opening Displacement (CTOD), stress intensity at the crack tip, and the J-integral.

Two methodologies were used: one based on experimental DIC-derived displacement metrics and another on a quasistatic assessment of fracture load and crack geometry. The experimental method provided more accurate resistance values, while the quasistatic approach tended to underestimate resistance.

 

 

Full Article

 

VIC 3D 10 Release!

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Correlated Solutions is proud to announce the release of VIC-3D 10, an unparalleled DIC workspace with features designed specifically to facilitate 3D data analysis and visualization. Building on iris, the data visualization engine introduced in Version 9, the all-new VIC-3D 10 delivers a range of new capabilities that broaden DIC’s scope for FFT projects, FEA validation, and integrated stress analysis. In addition, the iris workspace has been significantly updated to provide even more flexibility and functionality to display your DIC analysis clearly and professionally.

New VSG analysis tool automates & streamlines the determination of optimal VSG size in accordance with the DIC Good Practices Guide.

 

In conjunction with FE simulations in Abaqus & Ansys, users can now more effectively and efficiently validate FEA results.

New frequency response function measurements integrate force input data with a powerful FFT module for complete response analysis.

Integrated stress analyzer converts strain history to stress with models defined through a dialog or through JSON files.

New FFT vibration visualization in iris allows for in-plane & out-of-plane ODS to be displayed in stunning, high-resolution graphics.

Import extractions, image & data sequences from other projects for direct comparison and improved visualization.

 

Contact Us To Upgrade

Large-Scale, Multi-System DIC

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Correlated Solutions and Blink Technology Australia recently visited Kevin Nievaart and his team at Swinburne University of Technology’s Smart Structures Laboratory to assist in deploying the multi-system digital image correlation registration which combines data from two or more VIC-3D DIC systems. This procedure provides a common coordinate system without any overlapping requirements and can dramatically reduce the effort and time needed to interpret and analyze deformation data.

When teams are working with tools like the impressive Multi-Axis Substructure Testing (MAST) System, streamlining workflows is paramount, and the VIC-3D Multi-System was the obvious answer for boosting the performance and research efficiency of the Smart Structures Lab. Special thanks to Kevin and his team for all the hard work. We can’t wait to see more results!

 

Digital Image Correlation Training Series – Basic Calibration

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Whether you’re new to digital image correlation or just need a refresher for upcoming research, the Correlated Solutions DIC tutorial series featuring the powerful VIC-3D is here to help. If you want any more information or want to book an in-person training session in Australia or New Zealand for the Vic 3D Digital Image Correlation system contact us to find out more.

 

Adding new value to rheometers

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Adding new value to rheometers

with next generation of analysis through “polarization imaging”

This equipment can clarify material properties based on the molecular structure of polymers.

Recently, there is an increasing demand for detailed analysis of the change process of material structure for advanced control of viscoelasticity.

In this page, we will introduce a “structural analysis method using polarization imaging” that combines a rheometer and a high-speed 2D polarization camera to meet these needs.

Polarization high-speed camera for viscoelasticity evaluation

Polarization high-speed camera and rheometer

*The rheometer is a product of Anton Paar
http://go.pardot.com/e/274612/en-products-crysta-pi-5wp-/hf2kn/589101049?h=kjns-AGZYWJ8UlPHU5oOHlQZDrDiY4wlHSject9SrK4

Feature
The high-speed polarization camera can quantify the polarization state in a single shot, and can track instantaneous changes in viscoelasticity due to its high-speed imaging performance.

Capturing instantaneous orientation changes of polymer fluids
http://go.pardot.com/e/274612/en-case-case-853/hf2kr/589101049?h=kjns-AGZYWJ8UlPHU5oOHlQZDrDiY4wlHSject9SrK4
Video: http://go.pardot.com/e/274612/E-8lGrOyjYQ/hf2kv/589101049?h=kjns-AGZYWJ8UlPHU5oOHlQZDrDiY4wlHSject9SrK4

Measurement example – Dynamic structural change of cellulose nanofiber (CNF)
CNF has a three-dimensional network structure, but as shown in the viscosity curve below, it exhibits shear-thinning behavior in which viscosity decreases with shear rate. However, there is a viscosity plateau (green area) around ~10 sec-1.

Viscosity curve of CNF
What kind of structural changes occurred in this plateau?

Looking at the scattering image of SALS (Small Angle Light Scattering) in the figure below, the shape changes from a circle to an ellipse as the shear rate increases. This corresponds to aggregates of fibers oriented in the direction of flow.

According to the orientation of the principal axis of the polarization image, the orientation of the fibers was spatially random before 10 sec-1, but after 10 sec-1 they suddenly oriented in the direction of flow, making them uniform in the radial direction within the channel. This confirms that it changed to a smooth state continuously.

Usually, if the viscosity curve is different from what we expected, we often suspect foreign matter contamination or that the equipment itself is somehow defective. In this study, we were able to gain a deeper understanding of the viscoelastic characteristics of CNFs by capturing instantaneous changes in the orientation of polymer fluids in combination with polarization imaging.

Upcoming Events

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Ther­mo­graphy for Improved Energy – Higher Effi­ciency and Security in Renew­able Ener­gies

The transformation to using renewable energy sources is a basic prerequisite for achieving the current climate protection goals. It is a necessity, considering the finite nature of fossil fuels and it’s essential for an increasing independence from providers of conventional fossil energy sources. In this context, energy production and intermediate energy storage need to go hand in hand.
More Information

 

Effi­cient Material Testing – Non-destructive and Contact­less

Conventional but especially the growing additive manufacturing processes – both in prototyping and industrial production – require increasing quality control of the final products. Additional to the established destructive testing of the material, non-destructive analysis of the final components is indispensable for material characterisation.

More Information