Holographic Visualization of Convective Flow Around a Heated Rotating Cone of Finite Length

Abstract

The convective flow around a heated rotating cone of finite length is investigated experimentally by means of 3-D and real-time holographic interferometry at rotational speeds of up to 4600 rpm and rotational angles from 0 to 90 deg. This advanced optical technique allows visualization of the thermal boundary layer, it’s unstable transition region and the turbulent zones, as well as providing a detailed visual analysis of the holographic fringe patterns, information about the thickness of the thermal boundary layer, and a new method for detecting and determining the critical points and critical Reynolds numbers of the transition region. The results are compared with previously obtained experimental data.