An experimental design is presented for an optical method of measuring spatial variations of flow irreversibilities in laminar viscous fluid motion. Pulsed laser measurements of fluid velocity with PIV (Particle Image Velocimetry) are post-processed to determine the local flow irreversibilities. The experimental technique yields whole-field measurements of instantaneous entropy production with a non-intrusive, optical method. Unlike point-wise methods that give measured velocities at single points in space, the PIV method is used to measure spatial velocity gradients over the entire problem domain. When combined with local temperatures and thermal irreversibilities, these velocity gradients can be used to find local losses of energy availability and exergy destruction. This article focuses on the frictional portion of entropy production, which leads to irreversible dissipation of mechanical energy to internal energy through friction. Such effects are significant in various technological applications, ranging from power turbines to internal duct flows and turbomachinery. Specific problems of a rotational stirring tank and channel flow are examined in this paper. By tracking the local flow irreversibilities, designers can focus on problem areas of highest entropy production to make local component modifications, thereby improving the overall energy efficiency of the system.
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