Images of fluid flow: Art and physics by students

In Spring 2003, a new experimental course on flow visualization was offered to a mixed class of Fine Arts Photography and Engineering students. Course content included fluid flow physics, history of photography with respect to the relationship of science and art, as well as flow visualization and photography techniques. Issues such as “What makes an image art? What makes an image scientific?” were addressed. The class focused on studio/laboratory experiences for mixed teams of students. In Spring 2004 these concepts were distilled into an engineering outreach experience for middle school girls. The spectacular images resulting from these experiments show that flow visualization can be both performed and appreciated by a broad spectrum of people. Thus flow visualization may represent a new bridge between scientists and non-scientists.