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

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the phenomenon observed when a water stream's pattern changes upon interruption by a beaker. The water stream initially exhibits an oscillating pattern, which disappears when the beaker is placed underneath. Participants suggest that the pattern may relate to standing waves and highlight the influence of frame rate on visual perception of jet dynamics. Additionally, they note that pressure changes propagate at the speed of sound, affecting the jet's behavior upon impact.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of fluid dynamics principles
  • Familiarity with wave phenomena, particularly standing waves
  • Knowledge of pressure dynamics in fluid jets
  • Experience with video analysis techniques, including frame rate considerations
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the principles of fluid dynamics and jet behavior
  • Explore the concept of standing waves in various mediums
  • Investigate the effects of pressure changes in fluid mechanics
  • Learn about video analysis techniques to study dynamic fluid patterns
USEFUL FOR

Students and professionals in physics, fluid dynamics researchers, and anyone interested in the behavior of fluids and wave phenomena.

RickRazor
Messages
17
Reaction score
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?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
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.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: RickRazor and berkeman

Similar threads

  • · Replies 25 ·
Replies
25
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
5K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K