Hybrid Optical-Flow-Cross-Correlation Method for Particle Image Velocimetry

Abstract A hybrid method for particle image velocimetry (PIV) is developed to overcome the limitations of the optical flow method applied to PIV images with large displacements. The main elements of the hybrid method include a cross-correlation scheme for initial estimation, a shifting scheme for generating a shifted image, and an optical flow scheme for obtaining a refined high-resolution velocity field. In addition, a preprocessing scheme is used for correcting the illumination intensity change. The accuracy of the hybrid method is evaluated through simulations in a parametric space in comparison with the typical correlation methods and optical flow method. Further quantitative comparisons are made in PIV measurements in a circular air jet.