This paper describes the use of shearing interferometry (shearography) for
the quantitative measurement of gas temperatures in axisymmetric systems in
which vibration and shock are substantial, and measurement time is limited
. The setup and principle of operation of the interferometer are described,
as well as Fourier-transform-based fringe pattern analysis, Abel transform
, and sensitivity of the phase lead to temperature calculation. A helium je
t and a Bunsen burner flame are shown as verification of the diagnostic. Th
e accuracy of the measured temperature profile is shown to be limited by th
e Abel transform and is critically dependent on the reference temperature u
sed. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.