Shadowgraph Techniques

Abstract

Schlieren and shadowgraph techniques allow us to see the invisible: the optical inhomogeneities in transparent media like air, water and glass that otherwise cause only ghostly distortions of our normal vision. This book is intended as a practical guide for those who want to use these methods. Historical Background -- Basic Concepts -- Toepler's Schlieren Technique -- Large-Field and Focusing Schlieren Methods -- Specialized Schlieren Techniques -- Shadowgraph Techniques -- Practical Issues -- Setting Up Your Own Simple Schlieren and Shadowgraph System -- Applications -- Quantitative Evaluation -- Summary and Outlook -- References -- Appendix A Optical Fundamentals -- Appendix B The Schlieren System as a Fourier Optical Processor -- Appendix C Parts List for a Simple Schlieren/Shadowgraph System -- Appendix D Suppliers of Schlieren Systems and Components -- Index -- Color Plates.