Affiliations: Department of Mechanical Engineering, 427 UCB,
University of Colorado, Boulder, 80309-0427, USA. E-mail:
[email protected] | Department of Art and Art History, University of
Colorado, Boulder, 80309, USA
Abstract: In Spring 2003, a new experimental course on flow visualization was
offered to a mixed class of Fine Arts Photography and Engineering students.
Course content included fluid flow physics, history of photography with respect
to the relationship of science and art, as well as flow visualization and
photography techniques. Issues such as "What makes an image art?
What makes an image scientific?" were addressed. The class
focused on studio/laboratory experiences for mixed teams of students. In Spring
2004 these concepts were distilled into an engineering outreach experience for
middle school girls. The spectacular images resulting from these experiments
show that flow visualization can be both performed and appreciated by a broad
spectrum of people. Thus flow visualization may represent a new bridge between
scientists and non-scientists.