The phenomenon of particles gathering in the center of a stirred pot of water is primarily due to the creation of secondary flow patterns, specifically circular flow dynamics. When the water is stirred, it generates a centrifugal force that pushes the particles outward, but upon stopping the stirring, the particles settle due to gravity and are drawn toward the center. This behavior is consistent with fluid dynamics principles as outlined in the Wikipedia article on secondary flow.
PREREQUISITESStudents of physics, fluid dynamics researchers, and anyone interested in the behavior of particles in fluids will benefit from this discussion.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Secondary_flow#Circular_flow_in_a_bowl_or_cupGerenuk said:I have a pot with water and some large particles lying on the bottom. When I stirr the water in a circular motion and then let the particles settle, they all gather in the center of the pot. Why is that so?