Development of a Temperature Measurement Technique Using Molecular Tagging Velocimetry

University of Utah

A summary of the development of a method of measuring fluid temperature with a laser is presented. The method is based on molecular tagging velocimetry (MTV), an established technique of obtaining spatially-resolved fluid velocity profiles by analysis of laser-induced molecular phosphorescence emitted by photoluminescent chemicals. In aqueous solutions the intensity of the phosphorescent emission is inversely related to the temperature of the fluid. Research into quantifying the relationship between the solution temperature and emission intensity has resulted in the development of a calibration curve which may be used for subsequent temperature measurements. Error analysis shows that temperatures may be determined over a range of nearly 30^oC with a typical error of less than +/- 2.66% or +/- 0.8^oC, with a 95% confidence level. A discussion of the technique development, including experimental methods, calibration curve development, and error analysis, is here presented.