Why Does a Water Stream's Pattern Change When Interrupted?

In summary, the conversation discusses the observation of a unique water stream pattern caused by leaving a tap open. The pattern disappears when a beaker is placed under the stream and it is believed to be a standing wave. The reason for this phenomenon is related to the Plateau-Rayleigh instability, which can be better observed with a higher frame rate or strobe light. The oscillation of the pattern is also mentioned, which is due to the speed of sound propagating faster than the speed of water in the jet.
  • #1
RickRazor
17
3
I observed something which I've never seen before. We left the tap open and the water stream was flowing in a particular pattern. When we placed a beaker under the water stream, the pattern disappeared. And the pattern itself was oscillating.

Here's the video link.

Below the the photos of the effect.
DNcqu.png
UNvpD.png


Is the pattern a standing wave? If yes, is it sound? And why does the pattern disappear when we place a beaker under it? In the later part of the video, you can see that the pattern itself is oscillating. Why is that happening?
 
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  • #3
RickRazor said:
I observed something which I've never seen before. We left the tap open and the water stream was flowing in a particular pattern. When we placed a beaker under the water stream, the pattern disappeared. And the pattern itself was oscillating.

Here's the video link.

Is the pattern a standing wave? If yes, is it sound? And why does the pattern disappear when we place a beaker under it? In the later part of the video, you can see that the pattern itself is oscillating. Why is that happening?

Interesting video! A couple of comments:

1) your frame rate is very low as compared to the jet dynamics, certain aspects of the appearance (possibly the oscillations) can be related to this. If you have a strobe light, you can see if that (literally) clarifies the images.
2) When the jet impacts a surface, the pressure changes propagate at the speed of sound, much faster than the speed of water in the jet. Thus, certain effects (the location of jet breakup, for example) occur 'upstream' of where you think they should.
 
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Likes RickRazor and berkeman

1. What causes distortion in a water stream?

Distortion in a water stream can be caused by several factors, such as turbulence, changes in water velocity, and interactions with objects in the water. Other possible causes include changes in water temperature, pressure, and surface tension.

2. How does distortion affect the flow of water?

Distortion can disrupt the smooth flow of water, causing changes in direction and velocity. This can lead to uneven distribution of water and potentially impact the efficiency of water transportation or filtration systems.

3. Can distortion in a water stream be prevented?

In some cases, distortion in a water stream can be prevented by using flow control devices or smoothing out rough surfaces. However, some level of distortion is inevitable due to the natural characteristics of water and its interactions with its environment.

4. Is distortion in a water stream harmful?

Distortion in a water stream is not necessarily harmful, but it can have negative effects on the performance of water systems. Additionally, if the distortion is caused by pollutants or debris, it can potentially harm aquatic ecosystems.

5. How can distortion in a water stream be measured?

Distortion in a water stream can be measured using various techniques, such as flow visualization methods, flow rate measurements, and pressure measurements. These methods can provide valuable information about the characteristics and behavior of a water stream.

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