Application of a Stereo PIV System for Investigations of Flow Fields in Towing Tank and Cavitation Tunnel

A newly installed submersible stereo PIV system, designed for the use in the towing tank and operating perpendicular to the main flow direction, is described. This Stereo Particle Image Velocimetry system allows the contactfree, 3-dimensional determination of velocity fields in the towing tank and cavitation tunnel. Flow conditions can be analyzed with a resolution of a few thousand points simultaneously, with a frame rate of up to 15 pictures per second, providing a good insight into flow characteristics without disturbing the flow. The paper will describe two applications of the system that have already been carried out (propeller in open water condition and in the cavitation tunnel) and will discuss merits and disadvantages of the new system. The potentials for validation of CFD calculations will be shortly discussed. Future plans for further applications of the system will be introduced.