Particle image velocimetry

Particle imaging velocimetry, which is rapidly becoming an essential tool for the synoptic measurement of two dimensional velocity fields, is addressed. This rapid development is carried out by a growing number of fluid mechanics experimentalists who recognize the unique capabilities of the technique to measure velocity fields in both space and time, and is supported by the concomitant development and availability of microcomputer hardware and software. Various applications of the technique to map different flow regimes are described and illustrated. Hardware implementations of the technique which utilize both conventional photography for image acquisition as well as digital 'online' methods for integrated image acquisition and processing are discussed. Recommendations to further enhance the technique and make it possible to map the three velocity components in three dimensional flow regions are given.