SENSITIVITY OF BACKGROUND ORIENTED SCHLIEREN (BOS) IN OPEN

CHANNEL FLOW FOR HYDRAULIC ANALOGY

Muhamad Zulfitri Bin Mohd Razali (P106735)

Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia
43600 UKM Bangi, Selangor

ABSTRACT

Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) plays a crucial role in flow visualization and addition
to hydraulic analogy examination results on important flow regimes. Recent
development of uncertainty estimation methods has been developed for certain PIV
evaluations and specific set of parameters. The research conducted is based on a set of
parameters and utilizing an open channel flow hydraulic analogy. This research paper
is divided into three parts, namely synthetic image generation, image processing and
analysis of results from image processing. Synthetic image generation and processing
was conducted using Matlab® software. Hydraulic analogy is analogy by using open
channel flow to simulate compressible fluid, where surface topography is analogous to
density variation. Based on the principle of the “Background Oriented Schlieren”
method and surface topography evaluation, the refraction of light that occurs due to
differences in the flow surface contributes to the displacement of the image. The
synthetic image pair between non-wave and wave was then analyzed using cross-
correlation algorithm. Such algorithms include input of interrogation areas and
overlapping factors. The data results from the algorithm applied were analyzed
qualitatively. From the qualitative analysis, two areas were focused, which were invalid
vectors and not actual number (NaN) present from the PIV. The research illustrates the
behaviour of invalid vectors and NaN, in addition to precision of results from the image
generation and PIV parameters. The optimal parameters of image generation and PIV
was determined, for the referenced open channel flow.

Keyword : Particle Image Velocimetry; Hydraulic Analogy; Synthetic Image; Surface

Topography; Cross-Correlation; Qualitative Analysis; Precision

INTRODUCTION

Human observation of nature has been embedded in the society since the very beginning
of time as this was very dependent on survival. Through experimental setups these
observations are documented and further explained in detail qualitatively. As an
educated observer, Leonardo Da Vinci made a very detail drawing of the structure
within a water flow by mere observation. Further leap forward in flow investigation was
done from replacing passive observations of nature by experimental means, this is
where Ludwig Prandtl, an important figure in fluid mechanics, designed and utilize flow
visualization techniques in a water tunnel for research of unsteady separated flows
behind wings and other objects.
Since then, flow visualization technology and techniques have been developed
properly, that not only it can indicate findings quantitatively but also synthetically
generated in digital form. Through correct analytic functions and techniques in PIV
development, we can evaluate the topography of open channel flows and predict the
accuracy of the technique. Although limitations of the PIV technique to measure certain
flow parameters are not well known yet, as reported by Lecordier et al (2001). In
addition, currently there are also have not been enough study regarding the use of
Background Oriented Schlieren principles (density gradient, light refraction, etc.) in
evaluating these PIV treatments and its most accurate parameters. In the present work,
the research investigates the behaviour of invalid vectors and NaN, in addition to
precision of result, from the image generation parameters (size of particle spot,
thickness and light profile of laser sheet, density of particles) and PIV parameters.

METHODOLOGY

Simulated analysis sequence (Three phases)

Image Generation Image Processing Results Qualitative

and Warp (PIV) Analysis
Figure 1 : Simulated analysis sequences (Three phases)

a. Image Generation and Warp (Ray Tracing Simulation)

The simulation begins with, synthetic image generation conducted by input of 3 data
files, firstly, data file with algorithm input in Matlab® software, that generates the
background image with specific noise without seeding particles. Continuing the process
with second data file, which includes the algorithm generating synthetic particle images.
Parameters included in the second data file algorithm were particle diameter, dpo,
particle diameter standard deviation, dpstd and particle density, C. Following with
second sets of parameters, light intensity value, lo and light sheet thickness, zo,
specified varying values of input to achieve result comparison after image generation.
Lastly, the data file that includes algorithm for capture and storage of particle image
gaussian profile. No input value specified, but the file shall be included to complete the
second file to achieve synthetic image generator process.

i ii iii iv v

Figure 2 : (i) Background image. Following inserted particles, with parameters, Peak
Intensity, 𝐼𝑍 = 225, Light sheet thickness, z0 = 5 pixel, particle diameter, dpo = 1.5
pixel, particle concentration, C = 0.01 ppm and (ii) particle diameter standard deviation,
dpstd = 0 pixel, (iii) dpstd = 0.75 pixel, (iv) dpstd = 1.5 pixel, (v) dpstd = 2.25 pixel.
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A total of 24 sets of parameter and synthetic images generated as reference image prior
to ray tracing simulation (warp).
Table 1 : Input Parameters for Synthetic Image Generation

Particle diameter, Gas particle centre standard Particle density,

dpo (pixel) deviation, dpstd (% from dpo) C (ppm)

1.5 0 0.01
3 50 0.02
100 0.05
150

Synthetic particle image generated from Matlab® undergo simulation process known
as ray tracing. This simulation eliminates high light refraction index that occur in
synthetic image generation. By controlling the light refraction index, particle can be
seen more clear and well defined. Variables that included in ray tracing algorithm
includes, wave height, h, wavelength, λ, and wave depth, H.
Table 2 : Input Parameters for Ray Tracing Simulation

Wave depth, H Wavelength, λ

(pixel) Wave height, h (% of H)

1000 1 1
3000 5
5000 10

i ii iii iv

Figure 3 : (i) Reference image with following parameters, Peak Intensity, 𝐼𝑍 = 225,
Light sheet thickness, z0 = 5 pixel, particle diameter, dpo = 1.5 pixel, particle
concentration, C = 0.05 ppm and particle diameter standard deviation, dpstd = 0.75. The
next images show warped image, at wave depth, H = 1000 pixel, wavelength, λ = 1 and
(ii) wave height (% of H), h = 1%, (iii) h = 5% & (iv) h = 10%.

A total of 216 (24 reference image x 9 warp sets of parameter), was produced from all
the ray tracing simulation done. After the simulation process, it was seen that the
particles become elongated to the top left corner and bottom right corner, with an
increasing elongation as the wave depth and wave height increases. Meanwhile, a dark
region developed on the top right corner and bottom left corner due to the light
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refraction simulated. Through visual analysis of the ray tracing simulated particle
images, where wave depths input of 3000 pixel and 5000 pixel, produces a blurred
image. In very big particle diameter with high particle concentrations, ray tracing
simulated images also becomes blurred at wave depth of 1000 pixel.

b. Image Processing (PIV)

Continuing the analysis sequence, images before and after ray tracing simulations was
analyzed using PIV algorithm input in Matlab® software. The algorithm was able to
indicate the vectors formed, from the warping of reference image, where the particles
show displacement from two discrete images. 2 parameters input for PIV algorithm,
which were window size in pixel 2 (64 x 64, 32 x 32 and 16 x 16) and overlapping factor
(0, 0.25, 0.5 and 0.75).

i ii iii

Figure 4 : (i) Reference image with following parameters, Peak Intensity, 𝐼𝑍 = 225,
Light sheet thickness, z0 = 5 pixel, particle diameter, dpo = 1.5 pixel, particle
concentration, C = 0.05 ppm and particle diameter standard deviation, dpstd = 0.75. The
next image (ii), show warped image, at wave depth, H = 1000 pixel, wavelength, λ = 1
and wave height (% of H), h = 1%. (iii) Generated vector data field from the PIV
algorithm with window size at 32 x 32 pixel 2 and overlapping factor of 0.75.

From the figure shown above, detected vector pattern mentioned previously where
vector moves to the top left corner and bottom right corner. The vector groups located
diagonally in the middle show low magnitude, due to particles positioned where the
peak wave exist. From the image also we can visually identify a few invalid vectors
which direction show dissimilar from its surrounding group vectors. A total of 2592
data fields was generated by the PIV process.

Figure 5 : Example representation of incorrect vectors. Window size, W = 64 x 64

pixel 2 and overlapping factor, OF = 0.75.
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 c. Results Qualitative Analysis

Based on the PIV results, a qualitative approach was taken to visually determine the
total number of invalid vectors and NaN. Invalid vectors defined in this research as
vectors that show a dissimilar direction from its surrounding vectors. Invalid and NaN
vectors maybe caused by PIV parameters (window size and overlapping factors), where
during the image evaluation, the vector is lost between two sequence of interrogation
step. The qualitative analysis is continued by determining the ratio of Invalid and Nan
Vectors to the total generated vectors. From the qualitative analysis done, the research
can judge the clarity of PIV generated, due to certain PIV parameters to specific image
generation parameters.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Based on the displacement vector information obtained, a qualitative analysis was done
to judge the characteristics of PIV results. The research focuses to investigate the total
number of invalid and NaN vectors generated from each PIV. From the investigation,
optimal parameters were determined to generate a clear synthetic image and low
number of invalid and NaN vector from PIV.

Determining PIV Quality Based on Not Actual Number (NAN) detected in Data Fields

Typical features of incorrect velocity vectors can be detected visually in a vector field
generated by PIV, where some features are as follows:
i. The magnitude and direction differs from their surroundings,
ii. incorrect velocity vectors often appear at the very edge of the data field,
and
iii.in most cases, they appear as single incorrect vectors.
Referring to the quantitative data tabulated in actual numbers based on the generated
data fields, we can detect this incorrect velocity by counting the not actual numbers
(NaN) existing within the PIV results. NaN may exist in the PIV results due to particles
leaving or entering the interrogation region between frames and some cases noise in the
correlation plot. The ratio of total NaN to total number of vectors was then determined
for each data field. A higher resulting ratio indicates a lower accuracy in the PIV. The
overall NaN analysis was tabulated and a qualitative interpretation was done to
investigate the effect of image generation and PIV parameters, to the resulting NaN
ratio.

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Figure 6 : Example tabulated actual numbers based on generated data field by PIV, of
one parameter set(NaN highlighted in red box).

Figure 7 : Portion of the tabulated data from qualitative analysis of overall data fields
generated from PIV

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 For each set of image generation and ray tracing simulation parameters, the
result from a proportionally decreasing window size and increasing overlapping factor,
shows a same pattern. The NaN increase proportionally with smaller window size and
higher overlapping factor. The highest recorded NaN ratio value is 0.832, with dpo =
1.5, C = 0.01, W = 16 x 16 and OF = 0. 5. Many of the data values also have no recorded
NaN values, thus lowest recorded ratio after that is 0.00027 with 1 counted NaN, with
dpo = 3, C = 0.05, W = 16 x 16 and OF = 0.75. Highest count for window size applied
for the PIV, where the NaN values are none (total of zero NaN counted is 847 data
fields) was 64 pixel^2, a total of 632 out of 847. Distribution of particle concentration
parameter in the zero NaN data fields show that the highest counted C parameter is 0.05
at 425 out of 847, following 0.02 and lastly 0.01. Wave depth of 1000 pixel counted as
highest to generate zero NaN data fields.
The 50th percentile of the overall NaN ratio is recorded at 0.077 with 61 NaN
out of 784 vectors from the data field. The NaN ratio is detected to be high when
applying window size of 16 x 16, and the ratio increase even further with higher
overlapping factors. The highest recorded NaN in a data field is 2986 out of 3600
vectors, with data field parameters, particle diameter, dpo = 1.5 pixel, particle
concentration, C = 0.01 ppm and particle diameter standard deviation, dpstd = 0.75
pixel, wave depth = 5000 pixel and wave height (% of H), h = 10%, window size, W =
16 x 16 pixel^2 and overlapping factor, OF = 0.75. The larger the wave depth and wave
height, the higher value of recorded NaN ratio. Despite the fact that window size, W =
64 x 64 pixel^2 with overlapping factor, OF = 0, generate the most low NaN ratios, the
total vector generated by these parameters are as low as 9 x 9 only, which is low in
precision.

Determining PIV Quality Based on Not Actual Number (NAN) detected in Data Fields

As previously mentioned of incorrect vectors, this part of the research discusses the
characteristics of data fields, where incorrect vectors are detected visually. Refer to
previous figure 5 for example representation of incorrect vectors. All the data fields are
visually inspected to determine the distribution and total number of invalid vectors
present within the data fields. The visual analysis results are tabulated within the overall
table. From the overall tabulated table, the number of qualitatively invalid vectors
shows zero, due to either the number of vectors is too small (Below and at 36), or the
resulting data field pattern is too scattered and random. The PIV was done to generate
an intended pattern, where the wave peak is located diagonally in the center and the
vectors move or elongate to the top left corner and bottom right corner. The selected
parameter to represent graphically, the visual analysis as figure 8, are as follows, peak
Intensity, 𝐼𝑍 = 225, light sheet thickness, z0 = 5 pixel, particle diameter, dpo = 1.5 pixel,
particle concentration, C = 0.05 ppm and particle diameter standard deviation, dpstd =
0.75 pixel, wave depth = 1000 pixel and wave height (% of H), h = 1%. The PIV
parameter is changed in a proportional value with decreasing window size and
increasing overlapping factors.

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 a. Window size = 64 x 64 pixel 2

i ii iii iv

b. Window size = 32 x 32 pixel 2

i ii iii iv

c. Window size = 16 x 16 pixel 2

i ii iii iv

Figure 8 : (i) Overlapping factor, OF = 0, (ii) OF = 0.25, (iii) OF = 0.5 and (iv) OF =
0.75. Highlighted in yellow is detected invalid vectors. Where the image is without
highlights, the image is either too low number of vectors or vector pattern too scatter.

All of the 2592 data fields was studied visually and found firstly, for window
size = 64 x 64 and overlapping factor, OF = 0, 0.25 & 0.5, most of the vectors generated
are too low to determine the flow pattern, thus unable to detect invalid vectors.
Furthermore, at window size = 16 x 16, with high OF = 0.75, the vector distribution is
also too high and most data field resulted in a random flow pattern. The intended pattern
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was detected at data fields generated specifically at window size = 32 x 32 with
overlapping factor = 0.75 and window size = 64 x 64 with overlapping factor also =
0.75.
Most data fields show random scatter at water depth, H = 3000 and 5000, and
the data field image is unable to be visually detect invalid vectors. Data fields generated
at water depth, H = 1000, only clearly produce the intended pattern. The lowest ratio
recorded from all the data fields is 0.149, with particle diameter = 1.5, concentration =
0.05 and water depth = 1000, while the window size applied = 32 at overlapping factor
= 0.75. The highest ratio recorded is at 0.389, with particle diameter = 1.5, concentration
= 0.02 and water depth = 1000, while the window size applied = 64 at overlapping factor
= 0.5.

CONCLUSION

The conclusion will be clarified in this chapter based on the results from the analysis.
In addition, a few recommendations were introduced for the future research related to
the topic.
Based on the qualitative analysis for NaN and visual investigation of invalid vectors,
we can conclude the following parameters will develop the most clear image for the
specific flow pattern applied in the research, and is suitable with the ray tracing
simulation parameters, wave depth, H = 1000 pixel, wave height, h = 1% of H and
wavelength, λ = 1 :
a. Particle diameter standard deviation at 150% of dpo
b. Particle diameter 1.5 dpo
c. Particle concentration 0.05ppm
For above optimal parameters, the following PIV parameters should be applied to
generate the lowest ratio of invalid vectors to total vectors :
a. Window Size 32 x 32 pixel2
b. Overlapping factor 0.75
The synthetic image generation parameters applied to wave depth 3000 and 5000 seems
not suitable based on the resulting PIV showing very random vector distribution.
Based on above conclusion, the objective of the research was achieved :
a. Determined the optimal parameter for image generation based on the
specific flow pattern applied in the research and ray tracing simulation
parameter.
b. Determining the optimal PIV parameter for specific image generation
and ray tracing simulation parameter sets,

c. Determined the limitations of the PIV parameters by applying qualitative

analysis to the data fields.

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 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I would like to give thanks to Allah whom bring guidance and strength for me until I’ve
completed my research. I would like to thank my family for giving support. Of course,
I would like to give many thanks to my respected supervisor and mentor, ‘Encik’
Zulkhairi Zainol Abidin, whom introduced me to this field of research and taught me
regarding the fundamentals of the field, until I’m capable of conducting the research
work. Also give thanks to, the course coordinators Prof. Madya Dr. Mohd Zaki Nuawi
and Ir. Dr. Mohammad Rasidi bin Mohammad Rasani and my dear colleagues who
played a part in helping me complete the research.

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