Combined particle image velocimetry/digital image correlation for load estimation

Particle image velocimetry (PIV) and digital image correlation (DIC) are widely used experimental techniques in fluid mechanics and structural dynamics, respectively. PIV is capable of resolving detailed velocity fields around structures, from which the hydrodynamic loading can be reconstructed. However, PIV is ill-suited to capturing the structural response, which is critical for a complete understanding of the bidirectional coupling between the fluid flow and the structural dynamics. On the other hand, DIC can accurately quantify local deformation of the structure, but does not afford the precise identification of the hydrodynamic loading due to the ill-posed nature of the inverse load estimation process. Here, we explore the feasibility of a combined PIV/DIC technique for the investigation of fluid-structure interactions. Specifically, we study fluid-structure interactions associated with a flexible cantilever plate immersed in a steady unidirectional flow. We demonstrate that the combination of pressure estimation from PIV and deformation measurement through DIC enables the precise identification of the hydrodynamic loading and structural response. The proposed methodology may help in improving our understanding of a number of fluid-structure interaction problems, such as biomimetic propulsion, aeroelasticity of airfoils, and hydrodynamic impact on marine structures.