My 6th-grade son is doing an independent science project for school. He chose to investigate inexpensive ways to view air currents.
In addition to the experimental work, part of his assignment is to interview up to three people who can provide him with knowledge, and help him brainstorm or improve upon ideas. We have already observed that air disturbances having large heat gradients are easily viewed as shadowgraphs. But we need better sensitivity for small gradients, possibly a Schlieren arrangement. In preparation, I have purchased some inexpensive materials that should prove useful: a small 100mm parabolic mirror with a 150mm focal length, a 12-inch diameter Fresnel magnifying lens with a 1-meter focal length, and a big 1x2 meter sheet of retroreflective fabric. Hopefully we can put them to use. If you are willing to be interviewed for 10-15 minutes about experiment ideas, please let me know. Zoom, Skype, Facetime, whatever is preferable. We're in the US Pacific time zone.
Hello,
I am a photographer who has been working with shadowgraph imaging for many years. My own work is quite experimental as I work with high-voltage photography and processes that over the last couple of decades engage more eco-friendly image-processing.. Although my application of shadowgraphs is different from what your son is investigating, perhaps we could discuss questions he may have given my experience and perspective.
It's very exciting to hear of his interest in this experimental project. Does your son do photography that is chemical-based or is he looking to document using digital imaging methods? Both are quite fascinating.
MJ Toles
Hi Mary Jo Toles - thanks for answering. High voltage photography? I am unfamiliar with that. The equipment we have are digital cameras (a Nikon SLR as well as phone cameras and an iPad), some bright LED flashlights that make good point-light sources, and tripods to mount things on (I 3D printed some flashlight mounts for both tripod and camera hotshoe).
When my son saw some Schlieren photographs he got interested in being able to photograph air disturbances. While Schlieren techniques have the highest sensitivity and give amazing results, we found the equipment required (mainly a good concave mirror with a long focal length) is amazingly expensive. So his project is to see how he can get the best possible images of air disturbances with the smallest temperature gradients (ideally, a small fan at room temperature) for the lowest cost.
I'll contact you privately with my contact information.
I have a recommendation for someone he might contact....will respond to your email.
You can reach me through email at:
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