Specialised Imaging has introduced the Specialised Imaging Shadowgraph (SIS) camera enabling high resolution digital imaging of ultra fast events in ambient as well as low light environments.
A shadowgraph is an optical instrument that reveals non-uniformities in transparent media such as air, water, or glass. Shadowgraphy is used in aeronautical engineering to see the flow about high-speed aircraft and missiles, as well as in combustion research, ballistics, explosions, and in the testing of glass.
High performance image sensors have enabled the development of a camera system that will capture up to 11 million pixel images with the ability to shutter faster than 1µs. An ultra-fast high intensity spark source is integrated with the camera providing an image quality only previously achievable with film cameras but also offering the advantage of instantaneous access to data. Intuitive, yet powerful control software provides simple adjustment of imaging parameters and extensive measurement tools to accurately analyse results.
Camera stations can be arranged in the classic configuration looking directly at a reflective screen or as orthogonal pairs to provide 3D data such as the pitch and yaw of supersonic airflows. The triggering functionality enables the camera to be interfaced with almost any triggering device. An in-built velocity trap, using optional external triggers, ensures the camera will never suffer from experimental uncertainty in measuring the velocity of an object.
