LAUSR

Abstract This paper investigates the application of proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) for data obtained from visualizations. Using the POD method, the flow field behind one and two cylinders in a staggered configuration was analyzed. The data processed by this method were obtained from experimental measurements of flow fields using the particle image velocimetry (PIV) method and visualization. The dominant frequencies of the flow pattern from these data were compared using constant temperature anemometry (CTA) measurements. Attention was mainly focused on the flow at three Reynolds numbers: 500, 1200, and 2500. Velocity and vortex fields were created from PIV measurements in the wind tunnel for Re  = 500, and video images of flow fields were obtained from dye visualizations in the hydrodynamic tunnel. The components of velocity, vorticity (both of PIV), and change in grayscale (from visualization) were used as input data for POD analysis. A methodology for data processing from visualizations was developed for subsequent analysis using the POD method. A new technique has been found to identify structures in the wake of the cylinders in a staggered configuration by analyzing POD based on various types of input data. The measured fields of dominant frequencies from the CTA and a thorough analysis of the POD modes and their relative energy values for each type of data made it possible to identify the structures and mechanisms that occur in the wake of cylinders. This analysis facilitated a better understanding of the importance of these structures and mechanisms, which can then be used to control the flow behind the cylinders. Graphic abstract