Physicists Take the Temperature of Fluid Flows, Discover New Role ...
A team of physicists has recently made a groundbreaking discovery regarding the behavior of a specific type of turbulence in fluid flows. This finding not only enhances our understanding of various fluid systems, from the Earth's liquid core to everyday phenomena like boiling water but also sheds light on the intricate dynamics at play within these flows.
The research, published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, focused on turbulent convection – the movement of fluid subjected to heating from below. Through a series of experiments, the physicists uncovered a novel relationship between turbulent convection and solid structures suspended within the fluid.
The experiments, led by Professor Jun Zhang from New York University (NYU) and NYU Shanghai, involved heating a cylindrical container filled with water from the bottom to induce convective flows.
The researchers observed that the turbulent flows interacted with a free-moving solid object inside the container, leading to intriguing rotational movements of both the fluid and the solid.
Notably, the study revealed that the turbulent convection-driven flows, in conjunction with the suspended solid, exhibited bidirectional movement, with the rotation direction changing based on the intensity of the convection.
Key Findings:
- The experiments, led by Professor Jun Zhang from New York University (NYU) and NYU Shanghai, involved heating a cylindrical container filled with water from the bottom to induce convective flows.
- The researchers observed that the turbulent flows interacted with a free-moving solid object inside the container, leading to intriguing rotational movements of both the fluid and the solid.
- Notably, the study revealed that the turbulent convection-driven flows, in conjunction with the suspended solid, exhibited bidirectional movement, with the rotation direction changing based on the intensity of the convection.
Implications and Significance:
This research, inspired by the dynamics of Earth's inner core interacting with its convective liquid core, highlights the delicate interplay between turbulent flows and solid bodies within them. The ability to observe and manipulate these interactions opens up new avenues for understanding the broader implications of turbulence in various fluid systems.
Professor Zhang emphasizes that the results underscore how turbulence can be influenced by the presence of solid structures, hinting at potentially crucial roles that thermal convection may play within our planet.
- This content was originally published on the New York University website