Development of genetic algorithm based 3D-PTV technique

A new 3D-PTV technique has been developed using GA (Genetic Algorithm). The measurement system consists of three CCD cameras, Ar-ion laser, an image grabber and a host computer. One-to-one correspondences are made by taking advantage of the combinatorial optimization of the genetic algorithm for the whole particles of the two images during the time interval of image frames. Two fitness functions are introduced in order to enhance the correspondences of the particles. One is based on the concept of continuum theory and the other one is based on the minimum error of three-dimensional distance. Performance of the developed algorithm is tested using a set of virtual images constructed by the use of LES data set on an impinging jet. The developed 3D-PTV system is successfully applied to the measurement of flow characteristics of the wake of a circular cylinder.