Project Title:

High-Speed Optically Buffered Flow Visualization System

Innovation Associates, Inc.
P.O.  Box 1306
Ann Arbor, MI 48106

93-1 02.08 9338

High-Speed Optically Buffered Flow Visualization System

Abstract:

Fast framing digital cameras which can acquire high spatial
resolution transient wind tunnel flow-visualization imagery in
boundary layers do not yet exist.  To address this need,
Innovation Associates proposes to develop a unique High-speed
Optically Buffered Flow-Field Visualization System (HOBS)
utilizing recently developed real-time holographic recording
media such as bacteriorhodopsin.  HOBS will be capable of: a)
recording 100 2-D flow visualization images with 512x512
resolution at a 10k or higher framing rate onto an optical
buffer, b) re-imaging and digitizing the stored images at
standard video rates, and c) storing the digital images onto a
computer disk for subsequent analysis.  No other global flowfield
visualization technique presently exists which can rapidly
provide digitized images with the speed of resolution of HOBS. 
During Phase I, Innovation Associates will demonstrate the
feasibility of developing the optical buffer utilizing recently
developed high-resolution real-time recording media, will
evaluate options for extending HOBS design to support higher
framing rates and larger number of recorded images, and develop
the system design and specifications for Phase II implementation.

The proposed system will provide an advanced research and
inspection tool for laser-materials interaction, plume evolution,
shock waves, hypervelocity ballistics detonations, plasma
evolution and any process requiring high speed photographic
system.

wave-front, wave-front analysis sensor, interferometry, high
speed videography, bacteriorhodopsin, photo-polymer