Fluid Motion Devices

Poster Number

2B (needs table)

Lead Author Affiliation

Mechanical Engineering

Lead Author Status

Faculty

Introduction/Abstract

Objective: Develop low-cost interactive devices that exhibit fluid flow phenomena.

Purpose

Teaching tools for physics/fluid mechanics courses and outreach activities.

Method

Eleven demonstration devices or enclosures were made, with readily available acrylic stock using simple fabrication techniques, and filled with common non-toxic fluids. The devices are hand-held, self-contained and easy to use without mess. They demonstrate a range of phenomena such as surface tension effect, instability, and cohesion in granular material.

Results

Three devices (two from the above and one from a previous project) are on display today for attendees to interact with and experience the inherent beauty and complexity of fluid flows! They are:

  1. Non-intuitive flows through small holes1 – A set of three geometrically identical cylindrical enclosures exhibits surprising flow conditions. Each enclosure contains a different combination of two fluids.
  2. Centrifugal effect2 – A rotating disk containing dyed glycerin, mineral oil, and air demonstrates the operational principle of a centrifuge, which is an important scientific instrument.
  3. Immiscible fluids and shadow3 – Using the flashlight of a smart phone, a thin enclosure containing glycerin, mineral oil, and air exhibits a range of phenomena through cast shadows. (Developed under a previous project.)

1. “Non-Intuitive Flows Through Holes,” The Physics Teacher, Vol. 60, May 2022

2. “Improved Demo of Centrifugal Effect,” The Physics Teacher, Vol. 60, p. 84, February 2022

3. “Fluids Demonstrations III: Viscous Flow in Modified Thin Enclosures, Centrifugal Effect, Vortical Flow, and Turbulence,” The Physics Teacher, Vol. 59 (7), pp. 569-572, October 2021

Significance

All of the above devices are accessible to (almost) everyone, without regards to age or science background, because of simplicity and visual engagement.

Location

William Knox Holt Memorial Library and Learning Center, University of the Pacific, 3601 Pacific Ave., Stockton, CA 95211

Format

Poster Presentation

Poster Session

Morning

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Apr 30th, 10:00 AM Apr 30th, 12:00 PM

Fluid Motion Devices

William Knox Holt Memorial Library and Learning Center, University of the Pacific, 3601 Pacific Ave., Stockton, CA 95211

Objective: Develop low-cost interactive devices that exhibit fluid flow phenomena.