FLUID FLOW ANALYSIS

A method of determining a measure of wave speed or intensity in a fluid conduit uses ultrasound measurements to determine the conduit diameter and fluid velocity in a volume element, each as a function of time, and each at a same longitudinal position of the conduit. The ultrasound measurement to determine fluid velocity is effected by tracking objects within the fluid flow in successive frames sampling the volume element, and obtaining displacement vectors for the objects. A wave speed may be determined from a ratio of the change in fluid velocity at the longitudinal position as a function of time and the change in a logarithmic function of the conduit diameter as a function of time. A measure of wave intensity may be determined as a function of change in determined conduit diameter and corresponding change in fluid velocity.