Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 30, 2025

Simultaneous Measurement of Turbulence and Particle Kinematics Using Flow Imaging Techniques
Published on: March 12, 2019
Experimental validation of a computational fluid dynamics model using micro-particle image velocimetry of the
Mário Rito Pereira1, Goncalo Silva2, Viriato Semiao3
1Department of Endodontics, Faculdade de Medicina Dentária, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal.
Aim:
This study aimed to experimentally validate a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model, using micro-particle image velocimetry (micro-PIV) measurements of the irrigation flow velocity field developed in confluent canals during irrigation with a side-vented needle.
Methodology:
A microchip with confluent canals, manufactured in polydimethylsiloxane was used in a micro-PIV analysis of the irrigation flow using a side-vented needle placed 3 mm from the end of the confluence of the canals. Velocity fields and profiles were recorded for flow rates of 0.017 and 0.1 ml/s and compared with those predicted in CFD numerical simulations (using a finite volume commercial code - FLUENT) for both laminar and turbulent regimes.
Results:
The overall flow pattern, isovelocity and vector maps as well as velocity profiles showed a close agreement between the micro-PIV experimental and CFD predicted data. No relevant differences were observed between the results obtained with the laminar and turbulent flow models used.
Conclusions:
Results showed that the laminar CFD modelling is reliable to predict the flow in similar domains.
Related Concept Videos
Typical Model Studies
Rapidly Varying Flow
Uniform Depth Channel Flow
Laminar and Turbulent Flow
Capillarity in Fluid
Surface tension is crucial to capillarity. It results from cohesive forces between liquid molecules at the liquid-air boundary, forming a skin that resists external forces. When the capillary tube...
Uniform Depth Channel Flow: Problem Solving

