An important feature of PIV is that for the first time, a reliable basis of experimental flow field data is provided for direct comparison with numerical calculations and hence, for validation of computer codes.

During the last years an increasing number of scientists have started to utilize the PIV technique to investigate the instantaneous structure of velocity fields in various areas of fluid mechanics. A number of different approaches for the recording and evaluation of PIV images have been described in literature.

This course, which is the 22nd course on PIV since 1993 organized by DLR, will mainly concentrate on those aspects of the theory of PIV relevant to applications. Besides giving lectures on the fundamental aspects, special emphasis is placed on the presentation of practical and reliable solutions of problems which are faced during the implementation of this technique in wind tunnels and other test facilities.

During practice the participants will have the opportunity to carry out the recording and the evaluation of PIV images by themselves in small groups. Recent developments of the PIV technique such as 3D(t)-PIV (tomographic and holographic PIV) and Stereo PIV, Time Resolved PIV and Micro PIV will be discussed and demonstrated.