How do 8 blowers create a vortex for a dancing fabric installation?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the mechanics of a fabric installation that appears to dance and move due to the influence of eight blowers arranged in a circular formation. Participants explore the physics behind the airflow and vortex created by the blowers, questioning whether a computer controls their intensity and how the fabric's movement is achieved.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that the blowers create a circular airflow in the shape of a torus, which contributes to the fabric's movement.
  • There is speculation about whether the fabric contains embedded weights, which could affect its dynamics.
  • One participant argues against the necessity of computer control, suggesting that the artistic installation can be achieved through simple airflow dynamics without feedback systems.
  • Another participant expresses difficulty in understanding the physics behind the vortex and the installation's behavior, indicating a lack of confidence in their physics knowledge.
  • Some participants propose that the fans are not directed exactly at the center, which may enhance the vortex effect and contribute to the lift of the fabric.
  • There is a suggestion that the lift generated by the blowers decreases with height, leading to a natural oscillation of the fabric as it drifts and falls back into the center.
  • Participants express differing views on the role of computer control, with some believing it is unnecessary while others consider it a possibility.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

The discussion remains unresolved regarding the necessity of computer control for the installation. Participants express differing opinions on the mechanics of the airflow and its effects on the fabric's movement.

Contextual Notes

Participants acknowledge limitations in their understanding of the physics involved, and there are unresolved questions about the specific setup and dynamics of the blowers and fabric.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in the intersection of art and physics, particularly those exploring fluid dynamics and airflow in creative installations, may find this discussion relevant.

grassy
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Hello Physics gurus,
lately I watched a nice installation of a dancing light weight fabric.
Over the ground there were placed 8 blowers in circular positioning 45 degrees each one.
So I'm wondering if there was some computer controlling the intensity of all those blowers.
This fabric goes up and down, twirls, unfolds etc.
What physics setup would make such thing?

best regards,
grassy
 

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grassy, Welcome to Physics Forums!

As for your question, judging from the photo all we can see is power cords leading from those fan blowers. It is doubtful any computer is controlling their intensity. I guess it is simply a "trial and error" setup...they anchored the material and then moved the blowers around until they got the behavior they wanted.
 
Last edited:
grassy said:
Hello Physics gurus,
lately I watched a nice installation of a dancing light weight fabric.
Over the ground there were placed 8 blowers in circular positioning 45 degrees each one.
So I'm wondering if there was some computer controlling the intensity of all those blowers.
This fabric goes up and down, twirls, unfolds etc.
What physics setup would make such thing?
I guess the blowers create a circular flow in the shape of a torus (donut). Was it just a fabric, or was some kind of weight embedded in it?
 
hey guys,
I had to check all my utube bookmarks...
well I found this vid.
I'm sure it will help you get a better idea of what I'm talking about



cheers
 
Last edited by a moderator:
A.T. said:
I guess the blowers create a circular flow in the shape of a torus (donut). Was it just a fabric, or was some kind of weight embedded in it?


Hey A.T..pls check this video :


do you still believe that there is no computer involved for this vortex?

Best regards
g.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Why do you insist there must be some computer involved? The result is beautiful, and mesmerizing. But there is no need for a closed-loop feedback system of optical sensing/imaging, computer decision-making, and fan control. Can you not visualize the air flow...vortex...that those 8 fans create? It's pretty simple, and has great artistic creative value.
 
Bobbywhy said:
Why do you insist there must be some computer involved? The result is beautiful, and mesmerizing. But there is no need for a closed-loop feedback system of optical sensing/imaging, computer decision-making, and fan control. Can you not visualize the air flow...vortex...that those 8 fans create? It's pretty simple, and has great artistic creative value.

Hey Bobbywhy, i totally agree with you about this artistic installation.
No computer controlling was my 1st thought about this.
Since I'm not good in physics, yes it's hard hard for me to understand how this vortex is happening.
I tried to simulate this within a 3d application, but got poor results.
Simplicity can be art for sure!
thanx for responding!

g./
 
grassy said:
Since I'm not good in physics, yes it's hard hard for me to understand how this vortex is happening.
After watching the video I assume the fans are not pointed exactly towards the center of the circle, but slightly off, hence the vortex. But they still pump air into the central area, which has to escape somewhere. And the only way is up, hence the lift effect. You don't need computer control for this because the lift falls off with height. If the cloth goes to high it drifts to one side, falls down and gets pushed into the center again.
 
A.T. said:
After watching the video I assume the fans are not pointed exactly towards the center of the circle, but slightly off, hence the vortex. But they still pump air into the central area, which has to escape somewhere. And the only way is up, hence the lift effect. You don't need computer control for this because the lift falls off with height. If the cloth goes to high it drifts to one side, falls down and gets pushed into the center again.

You see! you have it... I don't.
Yes this sounds to be the trick behind this excellent installation.
I couldn't think of this detail about where these funs are pointing!
Thank you very much for this...

I started to think that a controller makes them run,
in a higher speed and then lower back again, but not at the same time for all.
cheers!
g./
 

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