Grant: Research Tools and Instruments

Funding is requested to restore the function of an existing planar Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) system, which requires a camera, and to improve the system's capability to Stereo PIV. PIV is a cutting-edge optical measurement technique often employed in fluid dynamics and aerodynamics to precisely measure the spatially resolved velocities within a plane or volume. In PIV, velocity is measured by tracking the movement of particles suspended in a fluid or gas, such as air. PIV involves illuminating the particles with a laser, capturing their motion with a camera, and analyzing the recorded images to determine flow velocities, given a known time delay between the images. The existing PIV system, which is a critically needed research tool by the applicants, requires at least one camera to restore its functionality. In addition, the funding request extends beyond the restoration of the current PIV system, it aims to perform a system upgrade to enable enhanced Stereo PIV capabilities. Stereo PIV is achieved using two cameras, which allows for the reconstruction of three-dimensional velocity vectors using specialized software. The physical equations describing the motion of fluids and airflows are derived from the variation of the three-dimensional velocities. In experimental fluid and aerodynamics, the measurement of the resulting velocities, flow patterns, or turbulence quantities is therefore important to understand and build knowledge of underlying physical processes. The Stereo PIV system will enable the essential measurement activities of the applicants' and collaborators' research teams. The measurement activities are motivated by topics that are highly important to Canadian and global society. The underlying research topics the intended users of the requested equipment will address a wide range that includes specific examples such as energy-efficient and safer road vehicles, prediction of airborne microplastic pollution transport to pristine areas such as the Canadian Arctic, robust and accurate sampling of pollutants in real-world airflow conditions, or design of sustainable heating and cooling systems in buildings, as some core examples from our teams. The system will enhance the potential for discovery and training capabilities. Access to the three-dimensional velocity components using Stereo PIV, over only two-dimensional information, will give the researchers more in-depth information to understand and analyze the problems we tackle for novel and high-impact discoveries. The applicants take a proactive stance toward equitable access to intended users of the research equipment. Lastly, the requested equipment will be a cornerstone tool in the numerous high-quality training opportunities provided, which will enhance the education of the users and benefit the Canadian industry that will later employ them.