Exploring Event-Based Cameras in the Diagnostics of Non-Reacting and Reacting Flows

Abstract

Event-based cameras, also known as neuromorphic cameras, represent a new imaging architecture that captures only changes in light intensity while suppressing static background, thereby enabling significant data reduction and high temporal resolution compared to frame-based cameras. They offer several advantages, including low cost, lightweight design, low power consumption, and high dynamic range. These features make them promising for tracking of moving objects, in particular, for flow diagnostics, where their application remains underexplored so far.

In this talk, we explore the potential of event-based cameras for particle image velocimetry (PIV). The effects of data bandwidth and the unique readout mechanism of state-of-the-art event-based cameras on the accuracy and dynamic range of Event-based PIV measurements are systematically investigated. Furthermore, we apply event-based cameras to measured flame dynamics by capturing CH* chemiluminescence signals from acoustically forced flames. Proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) and phase-averaging analyses are performed on the event data stream, and compared with results obtained using a high-speed CMOS camera. Owing to their low cost and fast temporal response, EB cameras show great potential for thermoacoustic instability monitoring and, in the near future, for real-time active control in gas turbine combustors.

Speaker

Prof. Luming Fan is an Associate Professor in the School of Aeronautics and Astronautics at Shanghai Jiao Tong University. He received his PhD in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Cambridge in 2019, followed by postdoctoral research at the Gas Turbine Laboratory of the National Research Council Canada. His research focuses on the development and application of advanced laser diagnostics in combustion and thermofluids, with particular emphasis on zero-carbon combustion and alternative fuels such as hydrogen and biofuels. He has co-authored over 30 journal publications in gas turbine combustion, turbulent reacting flows, and various advanced measurement techniques. He currently leads research projects on hydrogen micromix combustion and flame–cooling air interactions, supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China and the Shanghai Municipal Natural Science Foundation.