Celebrating the physics of all that flows with Nicole Sharp, Ph.D.
- Profile
Water Balloons in Microgravity
Sometimes you need microgravity in order to observe the neat effects of surface tension on a fluid. Also, I hear it’s a good excuse for popping water balloons on the Vomit Comet. #
The Kaye Effect
Non-Newtonian fluids can also be shear-thinning like shampoo. These fluids exhibit a phenomenon known as the Kaye effect. #
Liquid Umbrella
Droplet collisions, usually with water or milk, are popular with photographers for their artistic value. As stunning as these still images are, high-speed video makes the effect even better. Photo credit; See also: Liquid sculpture and Flickr
Vortex Cannon
Ever wonder if the Big Bad Wolf could really blow those pigs’ houses down? If he’d gone with a vortex cannon, maybe he’d have a chance.
Perching Gliders
Researchers at MIT are studying stall to understand how birds land and come up with new ways for gliders to perch instead of requiring a runway. This photo shows a smoke visualization of the glider stalling. #
Cornstarch Monsters
In shear-thickening, non-Newtonian fluids, disturbances make the fluid more viscous (“thicker”, more resistant to motion). This is well-demonstrated by putting some on a speaker and turning it on! #
Smoke Angel
Smoke from flares released by a C-17 Globemaster III gets caught up by the aircraft’s wingtip vortices, creating a distinctive “smoke angel” shape. #
Breaking the Sound Barrier
The shock waves propagating in front of an Atlas V rocket after launch decimate a rainbow-like effect called a sun dog. #