Towards time-resolved multi-property measurements by single-frequency FRS

The filtered Rayleigh scattering technique (FRS), extended by the method of frequency scanning, has historically been limited to time-averaged multi-property flow measurements. In our recently published work, we present a concept that potentially enables the combined measurement of time-resolved pressure, temperature and three-component (3C) velocity fields. It is based on the observation of the region of interest from six perspectives and a single excitation frequency. This work summarizes and expands on a follow-up publication that experimentally verifies this concept on an aspirated circular duct flow. For this purpose, the results obtained from single-frequency data processing are compared with reference pressures, temperatures and corresponding LDA velocity measurements. Overall, a very good agreement is found for all operating points with accuracies of 3.4% in pressure, 1.3% in temperature and ±2 m/s in axial velocity. Concerning precision, a newly developed multistage evaluation procedure enables values for pressure, temperature and velocity as low as 3 hPa, 2.2 K and 1.7 m/s. In a second flow configuration, an axial swirler is introduced into the duct. The resulting secondary flow structure and deformation of the axial velocity field caused by swirler geometry and support are very well captured with the single-frequency analysis. A closing discussion on the implementation challenges of a single-frequency multi-property FRS instrument with pulsed laser radiation reveals significant obstacles to overcome. Due the considerable optimization potential identified, chances are high that true time-resolved multi-property measurements by FRS will become a reality.