Fluid dynamics is a field of physics that seeks to understand the behavior and motion of fluids, including gases and liquids. Each year, the American Physical Society’s Division of Fluid Dynamics holds a contest to showcase the most captivating images and videos related to the flow of fluids. The winners of this year’s contest were presented at the division’s 76th meeting in Washington, D.C. In this article, we will delve into some of the mesmerizing winning entries that highlight the intricate patterns and phenomena that can arise in fluid dynamics.
One of the winning entries from Princeton University explores the process of 3D polymer printing. When adjusting the spooling of the polymer material onto a substrate, precise control is crucial. Depositing too much polymer too slowly can result in pattern-forming kinks or coils in the thread’s layout. However, the researchers discovered that printing too little material at a slow rate produces an intriguing pattern with orderly and stable layers. This lace-like structure not only uses less material but also speeds up the printing process. By adjusting the height of the layer and the printing rate, the density and gaps in the lace pattern can be controlled, offering new possibilities in polymer printing technology.
In the quest to understand the interplay between hydrodynamics and elasticity, researchers created a fascinating image known as “Drop Medusa.” This image captures the results of inducing vibrations in a small liquid drop in a zero-gravity environment. The radial vibrations, occurring at a frequency of 1040 Hertz, lead to chaotic and nonlinear waves within the drop. The wave superpositions create a mesmerizing effect, resembling jets and craters. The researchers analogize the pattern to the mythological Medusa’s hair, as it possesses a captivating and stone-like quality.
Unraveling the Dynamics of Frost Propagation
Water droplets on a cold surface, also known as “breath figures,” undergo a captivating transformation. A sudden cooling of the surface triggers the droplets to freeze and release latent heat. Using an infrared camera, scientists captured the freezing process, revealing the frost’s propagation upwards from the surface. As the droplets freeze and form ice bridges between them, a fascinating pattern emerges. The video showcases the intricate movements and features of the freezing droplets, ending with a delicate point atop each frozen droplet. Understanding the dynamics of frost propagation provides valuable insights into the behavior of water condensation figures.
Experiencing the Traveling Gallery of Fluid Motion
The winners of the American Physical Society’s image contest can be experienced through the “Traveling Gallery of Fluid Motion” exhibition. Presented by the Division of Fluid Dynamics, this exhibition is hosted at the Cultural Program of the National Academy of Sciences in Washington, D.C. Titled “Chaosmosis: Assigning Rhythm to the Turbulent,” the exhibition offers a unique opportunity to witness the beauty and complexity of fluid dynamics. From October 2023 to February 2024, visitors can explore the mesmerizing images and videos that showcase the captivating world of fluids.
The American Physical Society’s Division of Fluid Dynamics continues to capture the imagination through their annual image contest. The winning entries reveal the intricate patterns, phenomena, and beauty that can arise in the field of fluid dynamics. From the delicate balance of 3D polymer printing to the chaotic vibrations within a liquid drop and the mesmerizing dynamics of frost propagation, these images and videos offer glimpses into the captivating world of fluid motion. By exploring and understanding these phenomena, we deepen our appreciation for the wondrous complexity of the natural world.
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