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Imaging-based 3D particle tracking system for field characterization of particle dynamics in atmospheric flows

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Abstract

A particle tracking velocimetry apparatus is presented that is capable of measuring three-dimensional particle trajectories across large volumes, of the order of several meters, during natural snowfall events. Field experiments, aimed at understanding snow settling kinematics in atmospheric flows, were conducted during the 2021/2022 winter season using this apparatus, from which we show preliminary results. An overview of the methodology, wherein we use a UAV-based calibration method, is provided, and analysis is conducted of a select dataset to demonstrate the capabilities of the system for studying inertial particle dynamics in atmospheric flows. A modular camera array is used, designed specifically for handling the challenges of field deployment during snowfall. This imaging system is calibrated using synchronized imaging of a UAV-carried target to enable measurements centered 10 m above the ground within approximately a 4 m \(\times\) 4 m \(\times\) 6 m volume. Using the measured Lagrangian particle tracks, we present data concerning 3D trajectory curvature and acceleration statistics, as well as clustering behavior using Voronoï analysis. The limitations, as well as potential future developments, of such a system are discussed in the context of applications with other inertial particles.

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Data availability

The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author, J.H., upon reasonable request.

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Acknowledgements

This work was supported by the National Science Foundation under grants CBET-2018658 and AGS-1822192.

Funding

This work was supported by the National Science Foundation under grants CBET-2018658 and AGS-1822192.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Mechanical Engineering, University of Minnesota – Twin Cities, 111 Church Street SE, Minneapolis, 55455, MN, USA

    Nathaniel Bristow, Jiaqi Li & Jiarong Hong

  2. St Anthony Falls Laboratory, University of Minnesota – Twin Cities, 2 3rd Ave SE, Minneapolis, 55414, MN, USA

    Nathaniel Bristow, Michele Guala & Jiarong Hong

  3. Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics, University of Minnesota – Twin Cities, 110 Union St SE, Minneapolis, 55455, MN, USA

    Peter Hartford

  4. Civil, Environmental, and Geo- Engineering, University of Minnesota – Twin Cities, 500 Pillsbury Drive SE, Minneapolis, 55455, MN, USA

    Michele Guala

Authors
  1. Nathaniel Bristow
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  2. Jiaqi Li
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  3. Peter Hartford
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  4. Michele Guala
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  5. Jiarong Hong
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Contributions

JH and MG oversaw the study conception and design. NB wrote the manuscript text, generated figures, and was the primary contributor to the measurement system development. PH contributed to the development of the measurement system. All authors contributed to the field experiments.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Jiarong Hong.

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Bristow, N., Li, J., Hartford, P. et al. Imaging-based 3D particle tracking system for field characterization of particle dynamics in atmospheric flows. Exp Fluids 64, 78 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00348-023-03619-6

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