Visualization in cryogenic environment: Application to two-phase studies

Bernard Rousset (1) , Denis Chatain (1) , Laurent Puech (2) , Pierre Thibault (1) , François Viargues (1) , Pierre-Etienne Wolf (2)

1 SBT - Service des Basses Températures
2 NEEL - HELFA - Hélium : du fondamental aux applications

This paper reviews recent technical developments devoted to the study of cryogenic two-phase fluids. These techniques span from simple flow visualization to quantitative measurements of light scattering. It is shown that simple flow pattern configurations are obtained using classical optical tools (CCD cam- eras, endoscopes), even in most severe environments (high vacuum, high magnetic field). Quantitative measurements include laser velocimetry, particle sizing, and light scattering analysis. In the case of mag- netically compensated gravity boiling oxygen, optical access is used to control the poistioning of a bubble subject to buoyancy forces in an experimental cell. Flow visualization on a two-phase superfluid helium pipe-flow, performed as a support of LHC cooldown studies, leads to flow pattern characterization. Visu- alization includes stratified and atomized flows. Thanks to the low refractive index contrast between the liquid and its vapor, quantitative results on droplet densities can be obtained even in a multiple scatter- ing regime.

Mots clés: Two-phase flow; Optical techniques; Flow visualization; Superfluid helium (He II); Magnetic levitation

Domaines: Instrumentations et Détecteurs [physics.ins-det]; Mécanique des fluides [physics.class-ph]; Mécanique des fluides [physics.class-ph]

Bernard Rousset, Denis Chatain, Laurent Puech, Pierre Thibault, François Viargues, et al.. Visualization in cryogenic environment: Application to two-phase studies. Cryogenics, 2009, 49 (10), pp.554. ⟨10.1016/j.cryogenics.2008.10.012⟩. ⟨hal-00680695⟩