Optical flow algorithm to quantify the two-dimensional velocity components of a visualised air jet

In a ventilated space, the incoming air jet and the resulting airflow pattern play key roles in the removal and distribution of heat, moisture, harmful gases, and particles from or around living organisms (man, animal, and plant). In this research, an optical flow algorithm was used to visualize and quantify the two-dimensional velocity components of a visualized air jet in a ventilated room. The airflow is visualized by adding smoke particles to the air. The results of the optical flow algorithm are in agreement with experimental measurements, and the algorithm is a low-cost alternative technique to measure the two-dimensional velocity components. This technique might be used to quantify the airflow pattern by image analysis. The maximum absolute error of the mean air speed calculated by the optical flow algorithm compared to the measured mean air speed distribution is 0.0162 m/s, which is a relative error of 16%.