This study proposes a cross-correlation based PIV image interrogation algorithm that adapts the number of interrogation windows and their size to the image properties and to the flow conditions. The proposed methodology releases the constraint of uniform sampling rate (Cartesian mesh) and spatial resolution (uniform window size) commonly adopted in PIV interrogation. Especially in non-optimal experimental conditions where the flow seeding is inhomogeneous, this leads either to loss of robustness (too few particles per window) or measurement precision (too large or coarsely spaced interrogation windows). Two criteria are investigated, namely adaptation to the local signal content in the image and adaptation to local flow conditions. The implementation of the adaptive criteria within a recursive interrogation method is described. The location and size of the interrogation windows are locally adapted to the image signal (i.e., seeding density). Also the local window spacing (commonly set by the overlap factor) is put in relation with the spatial variation of the velocity field. The viability of the method is illustrated over two experimental cases where the limitation of a uniform interrogation approach appears clearly: a shock-wave–boundary layer interaction and an aircraft vortex wake. The examples show that the spatial sampling rate can be adapted to the actual flow features and that the interrogation window size can be arranged so as to follow the spatial distribution of seeding particle images and flow velocity fluctuations. In comparison with the uniform interrogation technique, the spatial resolution is locally enhanced while in poorly seeded regions the level of robustness of the analysis (signal-to-noise ratio) is kept almost constant.
Outstanding paper awards 2007
Since 1991, Measurement Science and Technology has awarded a Best Paper prize. The Editorial Board of this journal believes that such a prize is an opportunity to thank authors for submitting their work, and serves as an integral part of the on-going quality review of the journal.
The current breadth of topical areas that are covered by MST has made it advisable to expand the recognition of excellent publications. Hence, since 2005 the Editorial Board have presented 'Outstanding Paper Awards' in four subject categories: Fluid Mechanics; Measurement Science; Precision Measurements; and Sensors and Sensing Systems.
Click here to see the Editorial with comments from the the working groups on the oustanding articles published in Measurement Science and Technology in 2007.
2007 Award Winners
Fluid Mechanics
Measurement Science
Measurements of the dielectric (or impedance) properties of cells can be used as a general characterization and diagnostic tool. In this paper, we describe a novel impedance spectroscopy technique for the analysis of single biological cells in suspension. The technique uses maximum length sequences (MLS) for periodic excitation signal in a microfluidic impedance cytometer. The method allows multi-frequency single cell impedance measurements to be made in a short time period (ms). Spectral information is obtained in the frequency domain by applying a fast M-sequence transform (FMT) and fast Fourier transform (FFT) to the time domain response. Theoretically, the impedance is determined from the transfer function of the system when the MLS is a current excitation. The order of the MLS and sampling rate of A/D conversion are two factors that determine the bandwidth and spectral accuracy of the technique. Experimentally, the applicability of the technique is demonstrated by characterizing the impedance spectrum of red blood cells (RBCs) in a microfluidic cytometer. The impedance is measured within 1 ms at 512 discrete frequencies, evenly distributed in the range from 976.56 Hz to 500 kHz. The measured spectrum shows good agreement with simulations.
Precision Measurement
METAS developed a new 3D coordinate measuring machine (CMM) dedicated to traceable measurement for small parts with nanometre accuracy. The innovative design of the touch probe is based on a parallel kinematic structure of flexure hinges in order to minimize the moving mass and ensure an isotropic low stiffness. This head features very weak probing forces, below 0.5 mN, and supports exchangeable probes down to 0.1 mm diameter. It was combined with a highly accurate positioning stage developed at Philips CFT. The machine features a 90 mm × 90 mm × 38 mm air bearing stage with interferometric position measurement with no Abbe offset. The relevant calibration measurements reported here proudly highlight a repeatability of about 5 nm achieved by our micro-CMM. At the reached level of precision, the shape deviation of the probing sphere becomes a major contribution to the uncertainty. Therefore a calibration method for spheres based on error separation techniques was implemented. The result of roundness measurements on three calibration spheres is also presented. In addition, a scanning measurement procedure was implemented without any loss of accuracy, as attested by a comparison using a roundness measuring machine.
Sensors and Sensing Systems
This study develops a low-cost, highly sensitive two-dimensional optical accelerometer based on a commercially available DVD optical pick-up head. Vibrations of the structure of interest cause a change in the angle of the seismic mass within the accelerometer. The relative movement between the seismic mass and the base produces a change in the distribution of a focused light spot on the surface of a four-quadrant photodetector. The resulting change in the output of the voltage signals by the photodetector is then used to calculate the corresponding acceleration of the base. The experimental results indicate that the resonant frequencies of the accelerometer in the X- and Y-axis directions are 92.75 Hz and 92.87 Hz, respectively. Furthermore, the useful frequency range of the accelerometer is found to be approximately 20% of its resonant frequency. The sensitivities of the accelerometer in the X- and Y-axis directions are 22.9 V/g and 21.3 V/g, respectively. Finally, the noise equivalent acceleration (NEA) of the accelerometer is found to be less than 30 µg Hz−1/2 over the frequency range 0.5–50 Hz.