A study on accuracy of particle image velocimetry in a wind tunnel simulating airflow around building scale model

PIV is an attractive experimental method for investigating turbulent flow around building model in a wind tunnel. However, it is difficult to obtain data with high accuracy in large size wind tunnel. In this paper, first we give an overview of PIV technique and organize the experimental conditions of past PIV in urban climatology. Then, we consider a technological problem which is called peak locking. We explain the mechanism of the generation of peak locking and how it affects the final output. Avoiding peak locking is difficult in general experimental condition, but it is mitigated by a simple image processing.