Using Free Surface Synthetic Schlieren to Observe the Surface Waves of Water

Abstract

Free-Surface Synthetic Schlieren (FS-SS) is a non-intrusive method for measuring the three-dimensional space-time structure of fl uids, that functions using the laws of optics. A method that is capable of observing water surface wave topography, like this, is a useful lab-tool to NIOZ, a research organization that specializes in the multidisciplinary study of ocean processes. We sought to provide them with this instrument, by building it. In this paper we describe the theory behind the method, as presented in literature, its strengths, its limits, and its optimal use and operation. We perform some tests with the instrument to calibrate it. Using these tests we conclude our efforts were successful, having built an FS-SS setup that functions within acceptable range of error.