Optical whole-field methods for thermo-convective flow analysis in microgravity

In this paper optical whole-field methods for the analysis of thermo-convec tive flow phenomena, with special emphasis on space experiments in microgra vity, are described in some detail. These flows are usually investigated re garding their temperature and velocity field. Measurement methods and their potential for these field properties are discussed in view of microgravity applications; representative sample results of relevant experiments are pr esented.