Perceptive communicating capsules for fluid flow measurement and visualisation

Abstract

SUMMARYA new approach to flow measurement and visualisation in fluid dynamics based on a group of perceptive communicating capsules has been developed. Experiments were carried out with fluid-mobilised and stationary capsules deployed in a fluid flow test rig (raceway pond). Each capsule contains a microcontroller, battery, infra-red and visible LEDs and other electronics. Using optical communications, capsules can record encounters with one another. From the resulting interaction patterns, fluid flow speed and path-frequency measurements were obtained. Additionally, the capsules have shown the capacity for distributed sensing, and their streaklines provide a valuable means of external visualisation.