Temperature measurements in an axisymmetric methane–air flame using Talbot images

The paper discusses the principles of optical testing of transparent objects using the Talbot images method and its applicability to diagnostic of flames. The experimental study was performed for premixed methane – air flame formed by an axisymmetric nozzle. The local deflection angles of the probe radiation were determined from measurements of the relative displacements of intensity maxima of the Talbot image which is caused by passing of light through the flame. The Abel integral equation was solved to reconstruct the refractive index distribution in the flame. Calculation of the temperature field from the refractive index data was based on neglecting the spatial variation of the component composition. Inaccuracy of the calculations was evaluated by comparing the results with the thermocouple measurements. The results demonstrate that the Talbot images method can be used to measure the temperature distribution in axisymmetric reacting gas flows with high spatial resolution.