FULL-FIELD FLOW VISUALIZATION AND VELOCITY-MEASUREMENT WITH A PHOTOCHROMIC GRID METHOD

A novel approach to full-field velocity measurement with the photochro mic method of flow visualization is described. A photochromic grid is constructed by superimposing many individual dye traces that are measu red at different instants in time. By tracking the points of intersect ion, the velocity field can be estimated. Since this approach is appli cable under a wide range of conditions including pulsatile flows, it i s well-suited to in vitro haemodynamic investigations. The potential o f this new approach is demonstrated by its application to the measurem ent of steady Row in a life-sized model of a human carotid artery bifu rcation.