Thermo Hydrodynamic Effect

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the Thermo Hydrodynamic Effect observed in a real-time experiment involving aluminum cylinders and water. The experiment demonstrates how thermal agitation causes movement due to temperature imbalances, with approximately 30% of the cylinder's surface in contact with water. The phenomenon, influenced by the Carnot Cycle, occurs in an open environment, contrasting with the confined systems of traditional Carnot Engines. Challenges included managing triboelectric charges from Styrofoam insulation, suggesting that alternative materials like cork could improve results.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of thermal dynamics and agitation principles
  • Familiarity with the Carnot Cycle and its implications
  • Knowledge of triboelectric effects and material properties
  • Experience with experimental design and implementation
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the principles of thermal dynamics in open systems
  • Explore the Carnot Cycle and its applications in real-world scenarios
  • Investigate triboelectric charging and methods to mitigate its effects
  • Experiment with alternative insulating materials, such as cork, in thermal experiments
USEFUL FOR

Researchers, physicists, and engineers interested in thermal dynamics, experimental physics, and materials science will benefit from this discussion.

dom_quixote
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The footage was filmed in real time. The rotor takes advantage of the thermal agitation of the water. The agitation is uniform, so the resultant is zero. When the aluminum cylinders containing frozen water are immersed in the water, about 30% of their surface is in contact with the water, and the rest is thermally insulated by styrofoam. This creates an imbalance in the agitation: the cold side of the water "shrinks," so that the hot side pushes the cylinders toward the cold side. Note that the movement is subtle and "jerky." I suspect this is due to the Carnot Cycle, but I'm intrigued by the fact that the phenomenon occurs in an open environment, unlike the confined pistons of the Carnot Engine.
 
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One of the problems I encountered while implementing this experiment was the inevitable accumulation of triboelectric charges in the expanded Styrofoam. Simply adding a little salinity to the fresh water wasn't enough; interventions were necessary during the experiment to reposition the wheel in the center of the bucket. If the experiment were repeated with cork plates, they would likely generate less electrical charges and be easier to sculpt.
 

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