Fluid polygons and polyhedra

Science
Fluid polygons and polyhedra
7sided_1.jpg
7sided_2.jpg
7sided_3.jpg

We’ll call it Math Wednesday. Marc de Vinck turned me on to these amazing fluid-based polygons and polyhedra:

When a vertical water jet strikes a circular horizontal impactor, the water is deflected into a horizontal sheet. At sufficiently high speeds, the flow results in a circular water sheet, whose radius is set by a balance between inertial and curvature forces. At lower speeds, the sheet sags significantly under the influence of gravity, and may close, giving rise to a water bell. We have conducted a series of experiments in order to investigate the influence of increasing fluid viscosity on fluid sheets and bells.

[Thanks, Marc!]

Fluid polygons and polyhedra

More:
Math Mondays on MAKE

2 thoughts on “Fluid polygons and polyhedra

  1. luxcanon says:

    Well, I’m disappointed, I was fairly convinced that the ginormous hexagon Cassini found in 2007 was made of ceramic and was proof that Saturn was an artifact, I even postulated that the ring system was a Dyson-scale scaffolding intended for energy collection (or propulsion) being built by giant robotic drones that we are mistaking for moons. Enceladus being the primary source for the organo-metallic compounds being plated and ordered into ring shape, kind of like the nozzle of an orbiting 3D printer. But NOOOOOO, it’s probably just some dumb accident of fluid mechanics.

    FEH.

Comments are closed.

Discuss this article with the rest of the community on our Discord server!
Tagged

Gareth Branwyn is a freelance writer and the former Editorial Director of Maker Media. He is the author or editor of over a dozen books on technology, DIY, and geek culture. He is currently a contributor to Boing Boing, Wink Books, and Wink Fun. His free weekly-ish maker tips newsletter can be found at garstipsandtools.com.

View more articles by Gareth Branwyn

ADVERTISEMENT

Maker Faire Bay Area 2023 - Mare Island, CA

Escape to an island of imagination + innovation as Maker Faire Bay Area returns for its 15th iteration!

Buy Tickets today! SAVE 15% and lock-in your preferred date(s).

FEEDBACK