Quantitative 10–50 kHz X-ray radiography of liquid spray distributions using a rotating-anode tube source

The feasibility of high-speed (10–50 kHz) cinematographic X-ray radiography of liquid sprays with correlated time sequences of thousands of images is demonstrated utilizing a high-flux, rotating-anode tube source. Quantitative path-integrated liquid distributions are acquired in an impinging jet spray by modeling the X-ray source spectrum, liquid attenuation coefficients, and scintillator absorption spectrum to account for beam hardening effects. The image contrast and signal-to-noise ratio are optimized for varying amounts of a contrast enhancing agent (potassium iodide) and X-ray source voltage. Measurement accuracy and spatial resolution are evaluated, along with applicability for interrogating primary jet break up in optically complex sprays.