Problems in vibration measurement by laser techniques through combusting flows

A study of the metrologic problems connected to performing laser vibrometer measurements through combusting flows has been presented in this paper, in order to test the real applicability of laser vibrometer techniques to carry out measurements on full-scale burners. A model of the instrument is developed to describe main effects on the measurement system due to time varying refractive index within the flame; measurement uncertainty sources are discussed. Variations in the optical path length of the measuring arm of the interferometer due to changes in the laser beam wavelength and propagation direction caused by refractive index gradients seem to be the most influent effects and they are modulated at the natural flickering frequency of the flame. Experimental results from measurements performed by a single-point laser vibrometer through an unconfined CH4 flame from a Bunsen burner are in agreement with the model and provide an explanation of the phenomena which affect uncertainty in these particular measurements.