Published online by Cambridge University Press: 05 May 2011
In this work, we introduced an innovative technique that enables simultaneous measurement of the 3D kinematics and 2D–3 Components fluid velocities of the induced flow of a swimming fish, which greatly advanced the experimental technique for research in fish biomechanics. This technique was theoretically based on the combined use of new reconstruction formulas of position and the calibration polynomials of stereo-DPIV, employing only two cameras in the imaging system. Both kinematic and hydrodynamic characteristics of a fish executing three-dimensional and complicated locomotion are readily and accurately revealed. Measuring simultaneously 3D kinematics and hydrodynamics is significantly important for an accurate investigation of fish biomechanics because fish motions are three-dimensional. We demonstrate results of 3D kinematics and fluid velocity fields measured in the wake of a maneuvering pectoral fin of a fish, which proves the effectiveness and usefulness of this technique. The application of this technique is extendable to biomechanics research concerning locomotion of both swimming and flying animals.