Marine animals know more about fluid dynamics than we might think. Dolphins make games out of blowing vortex rings (a.k.a. bubble rings) and tossing them around. You can try, too, next time you’re at the pool!
Category: Phenomena
Shock Waves From a Gun
Often fluid motion is invisible to the human eye. Researchers use techniques like schlieren photography to make changes in fluid density apparent. In this high-speed schlieren photo, an AK-47 is being fired. The spherical shock wave centered on the gun’s muzzle is due to the explosive discharge of gases used to fire the bullet. At the left of the frame, the bullet also causes a shock wave, this time a conical one, as it travels supersonically out of the gun.
Photo Source; Credit: Gary Settles, Penn State Gas Dynamics Lab
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. #
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.
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. #
