Flow Visualization

Study of a broad range of fluid flow phenomena emphasizing the features and patterns char- acteristic of each. Introduction to visualization techniques used to reveal and capture details of these flows, leading to the application of these techniques to actual flows in the lab or in the field. Essential photographic methodology for still images and movies, including lighting, exposure, depth of field and digital image post-processing. Use of tracers, including dyes, vapor, bubbles and particles as well as optical tools, such as schlieren and/or shadowgraph. Natural and engineering flows will be examined, beginning with mathematical and physical analysis of visualizable properties, including buoyancy, interfaces, vorticity, streamlines and pathlines, and concluding with an actual image or movie. Motivated by the immense scientific and engineering importance of flow visualization in vehicle design, dispersal of environmental pollutants, biomedical flows and many others, flow images are an important form of technical communication and will be critiqued and improved, culminating in a final project exhibition.

Prerequisites: ESC-340 or ESC-140. 

Open to all students.

Credits: 3.00

Course Code: Ph 348

  • Founded by inventor, industrialist and philanthropist Peter Cooper in 1859, The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art offers education in art, architecture and engineering, as well as courses in the humanities and social sciences.

  • “My feelings, my desires, my hopes, embrace humanity throughout the world,” Peter Cooper proclaimed in a speech in 1853. He looked forward to a time when, “knowledge shall cover the earth as waters cover the great deep.”

  • From its beginnings, Cooper Union was a unique institution, dedicated to founder Peter Cooper's proposition that education is the key not only to personal prosperity but to civic virtue and harmony.

  • Peter Cooper wanted his graduates to acquire the technical mastery and entrepreneurial skills, enrich their intellects and spark their creativity, and develop a sense of social justice that would translate into action.