2D temperature measurements in the wake of a heated cylinder using LIF

A technique is described to measure the instantaneous 2D temperature distribution in the wake of a heated cylinder using 'laser-induced fluorescence'. Rhodamine B, a fluorescent dye, is used as a temperature indicator. The relation between fluorescence intensity and temperature is determined by means of calibration experiments in the temperature range of 20-35 degreesC with an accuracy of +/-0.1 degreesC. The temperature distribution behind the heated cylinder is well visible and can be measured with a high spatial resolution. Corrections for variation in laser energy and intensity distribution in the laser sheet have to be made to further improve the accuracy of the measuring method.