Use of Stereoscopy for Dam Break Flow Measurement
Publication: Journal of Hydraulic Engineering
Volume 131, Issue 1
Abstract
This investigation explored the applicability of video stereoscopy for the measurement of unsteady open channel flows. Specifically, the three-dimensional water surface profile and flow velocities associated with scale model dam break events were considered. Stereo images of the unsteady flow event were obtained using three, time-synchronized, video cameras situated above the tank such that, at all times, the area of interest was captured by at least two of the three cameras. To establish a point of reference from image to image, floating plastic tracking particles were placed on the water surface. The three-dimensional coordinates of the particles were then calculated using the camera positions and the locations of the individual plastic particles in the stereo images. Particle velocities were also deduced from the analysis of consecutive images. Based on this preliminary investigation we conclude that video stereoscopy is a promising method for measuring highly dynamic flows.
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Acknowledgments
This research was funded by an NSERC scholarship to the first writer, and NSERC operating and equipment grants to the second writer. This support is gratefully acknowledged. The writers would also like to thank Sheldon Lovell for building the experimental apparatus, and Perry Fedun for setting up and maintaining the instrumentation. The writers would also like to thank the reviewers for their constructive suggestions.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Hydraulic Engineering
Volume 131 • Issue 1 • January 2005
Pages: 24 - 29
Copyright
© 2004 ASCE.
History
Received: Oct 28, 2003
Accepted: Jun 15, 2004
Published online: Jan 1, 2005
Published in print: Jan 2005
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