Studies on Double Refraction of Flow I. An Apparatus for the Study of Double Refraction of Flow at High Velocity Gradients

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Abstract
Observation in polarized light of a liquid moving between concentric cylinders, with a velocity gradient produced by rotation of one cylinder, permits determination of orientation of asymmetric molecules in the liquid. An apparatus with a gap of 0.25 mm between inner and outer cylinder is described; the inner, rotating cylinder is maintained accurately concentric with the outer cylinder at speeds up to 3000 r.p.m. or more, by a system of preloaded bearings which is described in detail. The cylinders are driven by a motor‐generator system which produces adequate power and steady rotation over a wide range of speeds. Speed of rotation is determined stroboscopically, by a slight modification of the method of MacInnes. The optical system is briefly described, together with the methods for determining (1) the orientation of the optic axis in the flowing liquid, (2) the magnitude of the double refraction.