Wavelet optical flow velocimetry of a scramjet combustor using high-speed frame-straddling focusing schlieren images

Abstract

Scramjet combustors feature ultra-high-speed turbulent reacting flows with high temperatures and intense luminescence. Measurement of velocity fields under such extreme conditions presents great challenges. The present work demonstrated a seedless velocimetry approach using focusing schlieren images (FSIs) of high spatiotemporal resolution in a scramjet engine. Two fuel mass flow rates (Case1 and Case2) were investigated with corresponding global equivalence ratios of 0.27 and 0.13, respectively. The FSIs enabled by the employment of a high-speed pulsed LED light source are characterized by an effective exposure of 100 ns, and a 500-ns frame-straddling time interval with full resolution of 1280 × 800 pixels recorded at 76 kHz. The 100-ns exposure allows for capturing of transient high-speed flow motion without blurring, and the 500-ns time interval ensures an appropriate spatiotemporal correlation between subsequent schlieren images for high-speed reacting flows. A wavelet-based optical flow velocimetry (wOFV) algorithm was developed and applied to the FSIs. In contrast to the correlation-based algorithms widely employed in PIV for distinct particles, the wOFV algorithm suits better FSIs with continuous variation in brightness. The maximal velocities in the main duct of the scramjet combustor were measured to be approximately 550 m s^-1 and 1100 m s^-1 for Case 1 and Case2, suggestively corresponding to subsonic and supersonic combustion modes, respectively. The measured velocity inside the cavity is generally below 200 m s^-1 for both cases. Recirculation regions and their dynamic motions inside the cavity were well resolved. In summary, the development of the novel velocimetry approach holds great potential for applications in extreme flow conditions.

Novelty and Significance Statement

: Present work demonstrates a seedless velocimetry approach based on high-speed frame-straddling focusing schlieren imaging coupled with the novel wavelet optical flow velocimetry (wOFV) algorithm. Velocity field measurement realized in a scramjet combustor with high spatiotemporal resolution (1280 × 800 pixels at 38 kHz) for the first time, showing great abilities to accommodate wide velocity range and to resolve dynamic flow characteristics with potentials for broader future applications.