A versatile laboratory correlator with application to determine particle velocity in an erosion test

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Abstract
A relatively inexpensive binary correlator is described which can perform both cross correlation and autocorrelation. It has been used to determine the distribution of speeds of sand grains in a sand-blast erosion test. Motion of the grains is detected by an optical sensor, with no moving parts, which does not interfere with the grains. Speeds up to 500 m s-1 can be measured with a theoretical error less than +or-1%, practical values obtained have errors in the range +or-5%-+or-10%; particle sizing can also be performed. Good agreement on particle speeds of up to 25 m s-1 has been found with high-speed photography. The correlator uses a popular inexpensive microcomputer, and time to perform correlation is minimised using an efficient algorithm. Equipment is not restricted to this application and thus forms part of a flexible laboratory system.

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