Toward full-field measurements of instantaneous visualizations of coherent structures in turbulent shear flows

One goal of contemporary fluid mechanics research is to obtain an adequate physical model of turbulent flows that can be used as a basis for modeling realistic base for boundary layer flow that would consist of the entire instantaneous vector velocity field in all of space for a specific period of time must be established. This information would then be used to test modeling efforts. This paper illustrates, for the specific task of particle tracking to visualize fluid motions, the steps the authors have taken to solve the imaging problems and to provide quantitative estimates. It demonstrates how far the authors have progressed in the two years since they last reported on their efforts (Brodkey, R. S. Chem. Eng. Educ., 20, 202, 1986). Although final results are not yet available, future research needs are indicated.