Interactive Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) laboratory simulating Archimedes buoyancy, hydrostatic pressure, Bernoulli's energy theorem, Venturi constrictions, and Reynolds-number laminar-to-turbulent flow transitions.
Rigorous mathematical modeling of buoyancy (Archimedes), hydrostatic balance (Stevin), atmospheric retention (Magdeburg), capillarity (Jurin), mechanical energy conservation (Bernoulli), laminar viscous drag (Stokes), and 2D fluid dynamics (Navier-Stokes).
Interact with real-time controls: drag pressure sensors, adjust thermal temperatures, add surfactant drops to break surface tension, test cavitation speeds, and draw custom aerodynamic barriers.
Archimedes' principle states that buoyant force equals the weight of displaced water. A solid bolt displaces very little water compared to its mass. A hollow ship hull displaces an enormous volume of water because of its inner air cavity, resulting in an effective density far lower than water.
At moderate Reynolds numbers (40 < Re < 1000), boundary layer separation behind a bluff body creates an alternating repeating pattern of swirling vortices. This causes oscillatory lateral forces known to induce structural vibrations in smokestacks and bridges.
In liquids, viscosity drops exponentially with temperature following Andrade's equation. Higher thermal energy allows molecules to overcome cohesive intermolecular bonds, making thick honey or motor oil flow rapidly when heated.
Recommended Article
Physics of Water and Fluids on Earth
Worksheet: Fluid Dynamics & Navier-Stokes
Numerical pressure, velocity fields, and dynamic viscosity.
AeroAcademia 3D
Virtual aerodynamic wind tunnel and airfoil physics.
Worksheet: Lift & Drag Coefficients
Aerodynamic Cl and Cd coefficients in wind tunnel simulation.