High-Speed Optics
To study the physics of high-speed events, it helps to see what is going on. Using both conventional high-speed photography and schlieren imaging to see density gradients provides valuable insights. The precise setup and alignment of the schlieren system is critical to its performance. Laser alignment of the system optics ensures the optimal setup is achieved. Detailed analysis of the high-speed images allows for quantitative and qualitative data to be extracted. The design of the shock tube and combustion channel support structures allowed for the movement of the schlieren parabolic and folding mirrors as well as camera and xenon arc lamp light source between the two. The system was designed to trigger video recording based off ignition spark discharge in the case of the combustion channel or off a sharp pressure rise as seen by a high-speed piezoelectric pressure transducer in the shock tube. For some experiments, two Photron high-speed cameras were used with one capturing schlieren images and the other using conventional photography.