A need has been identified for a High Speed Video camera for the study of high velocity particles used in thermal spray applications. Cooke Corporation proposes to build on our past success in the area of high speed imaging of thermal sprays, by extending the capabilities of our video camera system. The proposed camera will have extended spectral range to allow imaging of sprays below 600C, while shortening exposure times to less than 50ns to enable the study of higher velocity sprays than previous systems. The camera will also provide multiple exposures per frame, with readout rates of 30 fps or lower as required. Spatial resolution of 10m or less will enable the imaging of fine droplets. All system parameters will be software controlled. The system will be robust, to allow operation in industrial environments. Deployment of the proposed high speed imaging system will further the research necessary to advance the industrial applications of spray forming in the industrial, military and automotive sectors. System costs will be minimized by extending the capabilities of existing commercial products. COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS: The proposed system can be further developed to provide real time, feedback control of particle size, speed and distribution in thermal spray application systems. The proposed camera technology also lends itself to high speed imaging pyrometry for temperature studies of fast phenomena. Other applications include combustion and fuel injection studies, ink jet spray analysis, wind tunnel studies for aerodynamics and studies for a number of other spray related phenomena.
