Particle image velocimetry (PIV) measurements of the flow in a rotating cavity with a radial inflow

Particle image velocimetry (PIV) was applied to a multifunctional rotating facility, the velocity distributions in the rotating cavity with a radial inflow of fluid had been measured in different working conditions. The experimental facility, experimental method and error analysis were introduced. The instantaneous and ensemble-average velocity fields in the rotating cavity had been discussed in this paper. And the results show PIV can be used to analyze the velocity field in a complex rotating cavity and the influence of non-dimensional mass flow-rate and rotating Reynolds number. At the same time, the light reflection control and the symmetrical and steady dispersion of tracer particles are the key factors of the PIV measurement.