Application of Particle Image Velocimetry on turbulent marine flows

Abstract

This thesis presents Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) as a technology for whole-field, non-intrusive measurements of fluid motion in the context of marine technology research. It explains the basic theoretical background and shows the necessary technical equipment. The development of the submergible PIV system and its application at the Marine Technology Center at Trondheim is presented in the form of a practical manual for coming students and researchers. A collection of articles published in scientific journals and conferences can act as examples for the benefits of PIV as a tool for the marine engineer.

The scientific work that the PIV technology has been applied to can be divided into two main sections: First, the external flow around cylindrical objects with different variations from the uniform cross-section, as changing diameters or protruding strakes. These kinds of geometry can be found in numerous variations and applications in the marine world.

The second section deals with internal channel flows subjected to system rotation. This is an example of rather basic research in the field of turbulence physics. Here, PIV shows its ability of providing detailed comparison data for present and future numerical studies