Rohit Velankar, a senior at Fox Chapel Area High School, stumbled upon a fascinating question while pouring juice into a glass – does a container’s elasticity influence the way its fluid drains? What started as a simple science fair project turned into something much larger when Rohit teamed up with his father, Sachin Velankar, a professor of chemical and petroleum engineering at the University of Pittsburgh Swanson School of Engineering. Their collaborative experiment in the family’s basement led to the publication of their first paper together, delving into the world of fluid dynamics.
Sachin Velankar, reflecting on the project, expressed his deep investment in the scientific process. The father-son duo embarked on a series of experiments to answer Rohit’s initial question. Their research, now published in the journal Physics of Fluids, revealed intriguing findings. Through their experiments, they discovered that containers with rubber lids drained faster than those with plastic lids, shedding light on the phenomenon of “glugging” in fluid drainage.
Experimental Innovations
To further explore the impact of elasticity on draining, the Velankars crafted their own acrylic bottles with rubber lids, utilizing resources available at Fox Chapel Area High School’s makerspace. By incorporating sensors near the bottle’s drainage hole, they were able to measure pressure oscillations with each glug. Through meticulous adjustments to the hole’s diameter, they simulated varying levels of flexibility, ultimately confirming that more flexible bottles resulted in quicker drainage, albeit with larger and less frequent glugs.
The Velankar’s research sheds light on the intricate relationship between a container’s elasticity and the fluid dynamics of its drainage. This study not only contributes to the understanding of everyday phenomena like glugging but also highlights the potential applications of such insights in various industries. By combining scientific inquiry with hands-on experimentation, the Velankars have demonstrated the power of collaboration and curiosity in unraveling the mysteries of fluid dynamics.
The Velankar’s father-son experiment exemplifies the spirit of scientific exploration and discovery. By venturing beyond the confines of traditional research settings, they were able to uncover valuable insights into the mechanics of fluid drainage. This research serves as a testament to the power of curiosity and collaboration in pushing the boundaries of scientific knowledge, leaving a lasting impact on the field of fluid dynamics.
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