Particle image velocimetry for biological mechanics

Particle image velocimetry (PIV) is an optical-based technique for flow measurement. The technique enables the measurement of the velocity distribution within a given flow field with a high degree of accuracy over a large spatial extent. This chapter overviews the use of PIV in biological applications with particular focus on extensions to the technique that are often required in biological flows including measuring the time dependence of various phenomena and extracting accurate flow information near immersed boundaries. In addition, a case study is provided demonstrating the use of PIV in the measurement of forces in animal propulsion and locomotion.