Wave field mapping with particle image velocimetry

A number of different methods for the 3D measurement of the water surface in wave fields have been proposed in the literature, based mostly on refraction, photogrammetry and/or reflected light intensity. Although these methods can map the distorted water surface, they appear to be difficult in practical applications in hydraulic engineering laboratories. A novel wave mapping technique using particle image velocimetry to measure surface flow velocities, and linear wave theory to determine wave heights from the measured velocities, has been developed and validated for regular waves. The method allows for the mapping even of complex wave fields with simple means and appears robust enough for application in the laboratory.