The Kinect sensor as a tool for remote flow characterisation

Recent research has shown a practical interest in the dynamics of water surfaces (Fujita et al., 2011; Nichols, 2013; Horoshenkov et al., 2013). However, the ability to robustly measure the three-dimensional shape or water surfaces, particularly in the field, is still challenging. One technology that shows promise is the Microsoft Kinect sensor. An examination of low-cost 3D flow surface measurements was presented by Nichols and Rubinato (2016), who showed the potential for the sensors to measure opaque flow surfaces, with some limited examination of clear water flows. However, many flows involve clear water without an opaque surface, and the ability of Kinect sensors to measure in these conditions is unknown. This paper presents an initial study into the potential for Kinect sensors to be used for mapping clear water surfaces.