Abstract
In Spring 2003, a new experimental course on flow visualization was offered to a mixed class of Fine Arts Photography and Engineering students. Course content included fluid flow physics, history of photography with respect to the relationship of science and art, as well as flow visualization and photography techniques. Issues such as “What makes an image art? What makes an image scientific?” were addressed. The class focused on studio/laboratory experiences for mixed teams of students. In Spring 2004 these concepts were distilled into an engineering outreach experience for middle school girls. The spectacular images resulting from these experiments show that flow visualization can be both performed and appreciated by a broad spectrum of people. Thus flow visualization may represent a new bridge between scientists and non-scientists.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Crimaldi, J. P. and Knight, D. W., A laser-based visualization system for fluid mechanics instruction, Proceedings of the American Society of Engineering Education (ASEE) Annual Conference (Portland, Oregon), (2005).
Hertzberg, J. and Sweetman, A., A course in flow visualization: the art and physics of fluid flow, Proceedings of the 2004 ASEE Annual Conf. & Expo (Salt Lake City), (2004), session 2480, http://www.colorado.edu/MCEN/flowvis/ASEEpaper.pdf.
Homsy, G. M., Aref, H., Breuer K. S., Hochgreb S., Koseff J. R. and Munson B. R, Multi-Media Fluid Mechanics CD-ROM, (2000), Cambridge University Press.
Poon, M., Todd, J., Neilson, R., Grace, D. and Hertzberg, J., Saffman-Taylor instability in a Hele Shaw cell, Physics of Fluids, 16–9 (2004), S9, http://pof.aip.org/pof/gallery/pdf/2004/S9_1.pdf.
Saminy M., Breuer K., Leal G. and Steen P., A Gallery of Fluid Motion, (2003), Cambridge University Press.
Schechter B., From flowing fluids, beautiful images and unlocked secrets, New York Times, June 24, (2003).
Stroud, C., The structure of highly impinging flames on a rotating cylinder, (2004), Ph. D. thesis, University of Colorado.
Van Dyke ed., An Album of Fluid Motion, (1982), Parabolic Press.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
Jean Hertzberg: She is an Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering at CU Boulder. She received her B.S in ME from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, and M.S and Ph.D. in ME from the University of California, Berkeley. Her research is in experimental fluid dynamics, with an emphasis on vortex dominated flows for combustion and cardiovascular applications. She is also an avid amateur photographer and firefighter.
Alex Sweetman: He is a Professor of Art and Art History at CU Boulder. His B.A. is from New York University, Washington Square College, and M.F.A. is from the SUNY Buffalo, Program in Photographic Studies, Visual Studies Workshop. His creative work is in the area of studio photography, with over one hundred exhibitions, and more than thirty solo exhibitions. His research is in visual studies, especially the history and theory of visual media.
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Hertzberg, J., Sweetman, A. Images of fluid flow: Art and physics by students. J Vis 8, 145–152 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03181657
Received:
Revised:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03181657