Optical Methods for Data Processing in Heat and Fluid Flow

21

Optical Diagnostics – Automatic Data Processing and Application in Fundamental Studies and Control Systems

V S Abrukov, I V Andreev, and P V Deltsov

Abstract

Practical realization of the broad possibilities of optical methods requires the automation of measurements. The present work generalizes some previous results of the authors concerning the automation of image decoding and image analysis, presents a new automatic procedure, as well as the results of its use in experimental investigations of combustion and detonation. Representation of the image, as a collection of black and white pixels, is used in two developed computer programs. Originally, all computer programs were intended for interferometry that has broad and unique opportunities in combustion research. At present, they can be used for other optical methods. New results of the use of neural networks for combustion interferogram analysis are presented also.

21.1 Introduction

Optical methods have good possibilities at experimental investigations of combustion. But there are also some problems with their use. One of the problems is connected with the stage of image decoding and its evaluation. Image decoding has an essential influence upon the accuracy of measurements. The results of decoding often have a subjective nature and depend greatly on the experience of the operator in the image decoding. It limits the level of usage of optical methods in the quantitative analysis of combustion. The automation of image decoding ...