Comparison of different configurations of Phase Doppler Analyser

A phase Doppler anemometry (PDA) technique is widely used in experimental fluid mechanics to measure size and velocity of particles in the fluid flow. Even though this method is common in experimental fluid mechanics, there are only few techniques that might serve for the purpose of the evaluation of the PDA system. To examine results of the PDA visualizations techniques are usually used. However, this approach suffers from several aspects. Mainly, it is difficult to determine the exact position of the measurement volume of PDA system. Then it is complicated to determine which particles are passing through the measuring volume. Another way how to examine performance of the PDA system is to use two PDA systems simultaneously. By using one laser for both systems we can avoid previously mentioned aspects. In our experiments, we use fiber based PDA system and classical PDA system both made by Dantec Dynamics. The aim of this paper is to compare results from various configurations and highlight crucial parameters that influence measurements.