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Updated: Aug 7, 2026

Determining 3D Flow Fields via Multi-camera Light Field Imaging
Published on: March 6, 2013
Flow visualization with stereo shadowgraphs of stratified fluid
Abstract:
Water stratified thermally or with dissolved material has a refractive index that varies with height. The stratification has no obvious visual effect until the fluid is disturbed, for example by a fish, but then it marks the creature's wake with a jump in refractive index that is visible in shadowgraphic projection. Two shadowgraphs in stereo display the wake in three dimensions. For a permanent record, or for analysing events too quick for the eye to follow, movies can be taken of the shadowgraphs.
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