Flow Visualization using the Shadowgraph and Schlieren Optical Methods

Abstract The use of experiments is one of the most efficient ways to teach physics, since students become more motivated when fundamental theoretical concepts are associated with technological applications. The development of cars, aircraft and rockets, for example, requires detailed knowledge of the flow of fluids around and inside these vehicles. This article describes the fundamentals of geometric optics in heterogeneous media and presents the shadowgraph and schlieren optical techniques that are widely used in research centers, universities and companies in the study of aerodynamics and flows in general. These optical methods are based on the deflection of the light rays caused by variations in the flow density. The schlieren-Toepler method is discussed in detail, deriving equations for contrast, sensitivity and optical alignment. An implementation of the direct shadowgraph method for classroom use is demonstrated and, throughout the article, several images obtained by the described optical methods are presented.