MRI: Acquisition of a Stereoscopic Particle Image Velocimetry System and Particle Transport Diagnostics for Dusty Plasma Investigations

Auburn University, Auburn AL

Investigators

Abstract

This MRI proposal provides funding for the purchase of a three-dimensial particle imaging velocimetry (PIV) device to augment the existing equipment at the Auburn University Plasma Science Laboratory (PSL). The PSL has a unique niche in the dusty plasma community - the ability to perform real-time, two-dimensional particle transport investigations. This new device makes it possible to overcome the key limitation of the present PIV device, that it is only able to measure two of the three velocity components of the particles. Because dusty plasmas, plasmas containing charged microparticles, are present in many different environments, from astrophysical systems such as nebula and planetary rings to industrial processing tools, understanding the behavior of dusty plasmas in detail will have broad impact in a number of fields.