Deformed particle image pattern matching in Particle Image Velocimetry

The deformation of particle image patterns due to velocity gradients causes errors of velocity measurements and false velocity detections in PIV (Particle Image Velocimetry). A novel technique to overcome those limitations inherent in the conventional PIV by correcting the particle image pattern according to the local velocity gradients in two dimensional flows, i.e. u/x, u/y, v/x and v/y, is proposed and successfully applied to a water flow downstream of a backward facing step.