An image-shifting technique based on grey-scale classification for particle image velocimetry

The image-shifting techniques are used to overcome the directional ambiguity of particle image displacement in the measurement of particle image velocimetry (PIV). This paper proposes an image-shifting technique based on grey-scale classification for PIV. By calculating the unified grey-scale statistical frequency of each interrogated unit, the directional ambiguity is resolved without any special requirement of the camera, and the particle image displacement is calculated synchronously. This image-shifting technique can be realized by controlling the difference in the light intensity of two lasers. Using this new technique, a PIV system was developed and used to measure the diesel spray flow. The displacement vector map of fuel particle in the spray flow was obtained, and the structure of the spray flow was investigated. The application confirmed that the image-shifting technique is viable and effective.