Fire Safety Science Digital Archive

This paper describes a series of experiments designed to investigate the possibility of the visualization of gas layers using optical methods. Several optical methods are considered including the possible application of holographic interferometry. Good results have been obtained using schlieren techniques in the visualization of carbon dioxide/air gas layers produced in a tank 1.28 metres in length. It is felt that double exposure and real time holography will prove to be extremely effective in gas layer visualization due to their inherent high sensitivities and comparatively simple experimental techniques.