In the vast expanses of ocean and atmosphere, every drop of water and every breath of air whisper the secrets of nature. Dr. Han Yang from the College of Shipbuilding Engineering at Harbin Engineering University guided us on an extraordinary educational voyage—the Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) Technology Refinement Course. Initiated by Professor Wang Chao of the College of Shipbuilding Engineering, Harbin Engineering University, this course aimed to groom future global leaders in maritime and oceanic studies. It broadened young scholars' horizons, fosters cross-cultural understanding, and encourages collaboration through the International Conference on Innovation and Cooperation in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering (ICNAME). Leveraging ICNAME’s global maritime and oceanic campus, laboratories, and internship bases, it provided a platform for international academic exchange among students from diverse backgrounds, fostering industry-academia-research partnerships and enhancing the university's talent development capabilities.

Here, aspiring marine and offshore engineers would learn to harness PIV technology to unravel the complexities of flow dynamics, becoming industry trailblazers. As an international educational resource-sharing initiative, this course drew students from both prestigious domestic institutions such as Zhejiang University and international participants from Thailand, enriching the learning experience with diverse perspectives.

The Power of PIV Technology

As a non-intrusive flow field measurement tool, PIV captures global and transient flow field information across the entire measurement area without disrupting the fluid. It excels in capturing the nuances of complex flows, offering comprehensive quantitative measurements. Additionally, PIV enables spectral and modal flow field analyses, providing detailed spatial and temporal descriptions of intricate flow structures. These capabilities make PIV indispensable in fluid dynamics experiments and research.

In-Depth Research

Beyond a mere tool, PIV is a gateway to unlocking the mysteries of fluid mechanics. The course team has amassed extensive experience in underwater fine flow field testing using PIV, establishing a hydrodynamic and fine flow field testing system that encompasses ship propulsion energy-saving devices and underwater propellers. This system spans PIV testing technology, data processing software development, and advanced flow field post-processing and analysis methodologies.

Learning Schedule

• August 24, 4:20-5:00 PM: Introduction to PIV fundamentals

• August 25, 4:00-5:00 PM: Jet flow experimental demonstration

• August 26, 9:00-11:00 AM: Bubble lift flow field test experiment and post-treatment results showcase

• August 27, 9:00-11:00 AM: Tour of Building 42 Ship Towing Tank and SPIV process overview

Conclusion

After four days of intensive training, each participant would emerge as a PIV expert, capable of setting up precise flow field test platforms and adapt at analyzing complex flow data. The application of PIV technology would propel us toward groundbreaking advancements in ship and offshore engineering, contributing significantly to the field's evolution. This is not just the end of a course—it marks the beginning of an ongoing quest to uncover the infinite mysteries of fluid mechanics.