One of the major challenges in fluid dynamics is the size of the parameter spaces we have to explore. Because many problems in fluid dynamics are non-linear, making small changes Keep reading
Tag: hydrodynamics
Surfing Honeybees
Honeybees have superpowers when it comes to their aerodynamics and impressive pollen-carrying, but their talents don’t end in the air. A new study confirms that honeybees can surf. Wet bees Keep reading
Whale Feeding
Whether in groups or as individuals, humpback whales are canny hunters. They herd prey together by encircling them and releasing bubbles that form a “net” that bars escape. Then, the whales Keep reading
Floccing Particles
Adding particles to a viscous fluid can create unexpected complications, thanks to the interplay of fluid and solid interactions. Here we see a dilute mixture of dark spherical particles suspended Keep reading
Paddling
When I lived in New England, I often spent summers paddling around a lake in either a kayak or canoe. Every stroke was an opportunity to stare down into the Keep reading
Catching Prey
The skinny, freshwater alligator gar can grow to more than 2 meters in length, giving it a distinct resemblance to its namesake. But this fish’s history traces back more than Keep reading
Underwater Snakes, Gusty Flying, and Microswimmers
If you like your fluid dynamics with a healthy dose of biology, this video’s for you! Learn about the hydrodynamics of snake strikes, how birds fly in gusty crosswinds, and Keep reading
Stone Skipping Physics
The current record for stone-skipping is about 88 skips. For most of us, that’s an unimaginably high number, but according to physicists, human throwers may top out around 300 or Keep reading
Dinosaurs, Propellers, and Hiding Objects
The latest FYFD/JFM video is out, and it’s all about the interactions between structures and flows! We learn about plesiosaur-inspired underwater robots, how turbulence affects air-water interfaces, and how adding Keep reading
The Flutter of Kelp
Many species of kelp change their blade shape depending on the current they experience. In fast-moving waters, the kelp grows flat blades, but when the water around them is slower, Keep reading