Observations of a stratified flow by means of holographic interferometry

The applicability of holographic interferometry to the study of two-dimensional motions of stratified fluids is demonstrated in tests that spanned several decades of Reynolds number. The feasibility of the technique was assessed by using it to demonstrate isopycnic contours in flows generated by towing horizontal cylinders in stably stratified salt water. Streamline patterns, deduced from their coincidence with the isopycnic contours, are compared with those predicted by theoretical models that neglect inertia effects.