Vortical cross-step filtration in suspension-feeding fish has been reported recently as a novel mechanism, distinct from other biological and industrial filtration processes. Although crossflow passing over backward-facing steps generates vortices that can suspend, concentrate, and transport particles, the morphological factors affecting this vortical flow have not been identified previously. I...

An experimental study of the two-dimensional transition from turbulent boundary layer over small backward-facing steps is presented in order to investigate the effect of the separation bubble behind the back-step on the aero-optical environment, as well as to demonstrate the capacity for characterizing complex flow fields using non-intrusive optical measurement techniques such as the Malley Pro...