Beat the Heat: Stable Torus Propagation in Water

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the phenomenon of stable torus propagation in water, as observed in a video showing a bubble being blown from a respirator. Participants explore the nature of this phenomenon, its similarities to smoke rings, and the mechanics behind the stability and movement of the toroidal shape in a fluid medium.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the mechanics of the stable torus shape and its ability to propagate through water, seeking clarification on its name and the conditions necessary for its formation.
  • Another participant draws a comparison to smoke rings and suggests the possibility of an underwater vortex ring, referencing related concepts from the smoke ring Wikipedia page.
  • Some participants mention dolphins creating similar rings and engaging with them in unique ways, noting personal observations of this behavior.
  • A participant explains that the movement of the stones is due to a vortex in the water, describing it as a stable annular shape that carries energy, with the bubbles being incidental to the vortex's formation.
  • There is a mention of the AirZooka Air Cannon, which produces a similar vortex in air, drawing parallels to the water phenomenon discussed.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express various viewpoints on the nature of the toroidal shape and its dynamics, with some agreeing on its similarity to smoke rings and vortex rings, while others introduce personal experiences and observations that suggest a broader context. No consensus is reached on the specific mechanics or terminology of the phenomenon.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions about the physical properties of the vortex and the conditions under which the toroidal shape is stable remain unaddressed. The discussion includes references to related phenomena without fully resolving the underlying mechanics.

dipole
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Assuming this is a genuine video (it seems to be), what's going on here?

http://h6img.com/g/11/scortching-summer-ahead-beat-the-heat-9.gif

He seems to blow a bubble from the respirator, which somehow forms a stable torus-shape and is able to propagate forward through the water. Does this have a name? Under what circumstances is it possible? What is holding the torus together, besides surface tension?
 
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Dolphins can do the same and make their rings do even stranger things...
 
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CWatters said:
Dolphins can do the same and make their rings do even stranger things...



Yes, at a Northern California water park I witnessed a dophin making rings and playing with them exactly like in the video. It was one of the most amzing things I ever saw.

I thought that what the OP was asking "Why does the air ring knock over the rocks?"

My answer is that I don't know, but maybe someone else has an explanation.
 
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The thing that's knocking the stones over is a vortex in the water. This vortex is in the shape of an annulus (ring) and it's very stable. It's the mass of water that's spinning round the ring of bubbles that carries the energy. The bubbles just happen to be there, because of the way the vortex has been produced.
If you want a fun Christmas Present then look at the AirZooka Air Cannon which produces an invisible ring vortex (in air, this time) which can travel across a room in about a half a second and hit someone in the face or knock a paper cup over. It's the same as a smoke ring, of course, but packs more punch. Great fun with cats and dogs (cruellllll!)
 

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