Using particle image velocimetry to measure the wind in a winnowing chamber

The array of vectors for the winnowing wind in the threshing unit was investigated using PIV in order to improve the winnowing accuracy. It is difficult to measure wind velocities at many points simultaneously using the anemometer. However, visualization of the winnowing wind was possible using the tracer and laser beam. Furthermore, the PIV method made it possible to measure an array of vectors for the winnowing wind. The results produced by PIV concurred with the results of conventional method. The wind map obtained in this method is expected to provide essential data for understanding of the characteristics of trajectories of grain and chaff.