First steps in new affordable PIV measurements

Particle image velocimetry (PIV) is an optical, laser based, measurement of fluid velocity and its 2D/3D visualisation. We have presented a new approach in low-cost PIV design using: 1) fast industrial camera, 2) laser pointer, with cylindrical lens for continual fluid flow illumination, 3) acquisition software developed in house, 4) OpenPIV analysis software. Velocity was measured in the glass jar where swirl flow was generated by magnetic stirrer. In this pilot study, results obtained by calibration device based on Laser Doppler anemometry and our PIV results are in good agreement.