Schlieren System Setup: Info & Experiences

[manishnarayan]

hi everyone great site you guys have going...im a newbie so do excuse my stupid questions :P

Anyway...I am taking an independent study class in aerospace engineering and my friend is doing his thesis project on a supersonic wind tunnel. I am only helping out with the optical part of it and need help finding information on schlieren setups. If anyone has info regarding this topic or experience in using a schlieren setup please do let me know thanks so much! Great luck in ur studies

Manish

 

[jaap de vries]

Look at the book from Gary Settles it is the best book on Schlieren and very simply written.
Use a Z-type setup
You need a high power lamp (DC) mercury lamp 6amps will do fine
you need a condenser lens with a slit or round aperature.
you need two parabolic mirrors
you need a knife edge (can be razor blade)
You can project straight into a camera

Lamp (Oriel)
Optics (Newport)
Camera Any will do (image will be monochromatic)

What is your budget?

 

[ravenprp]

Hi Manish,

Welcome to the forum and congratulations on your independent study in aerospace engineering! Schlieren setups can be a bit complex, so don't worry about asking "stupid" questions - we were all newbies at some point.

As for finding information on schlieren setups, I would recommend starting with some basic research on the principles and applications of schlieren imaging. There are many resources available online, including articles, videos, and academic papers. You can also check with your university library for any relevant books or journals.

In terms of experience, I have used a schlieren setup in a few experiments during my undergraduate studies in aerospace engineering. It was a fascinating technique for visualizing shock waves and other flow phenomena. I'm sure your friend's thesis project will be very interesting.

Best of luck in your studies and with the schlieren setup! Don't hesitate to ask for help or clarification if needed. We are all here to support each other.