Evaluation of the pressure field on a rigid body entering a quiescent fluid through particle image velocimetry

The objective of this work is to verify the accuracy of indirect pressure measurement from particle image velocimetry in water entry problems. The pressure is evaluated by solving the incompressible Navier–Stokes equations, whose kinematic components are estimated from particle image velocimetry. We focus on the water entry of a rigid wedge, for which we explore variations of the entry velocity. Experimental results are verified through comparison with well-established analytical formulations based on potential flow theory. Our findings demonstrate the feasibility of accurately reconstructing the hydrodynamic pressure field over the entire duration of the impact. Along with a thorough experimental validation of the method, we also offer insight into experimentally relevant factors, such as the maximum resolved fluid velocity and the required spatial integration area.