Rohit Velankar, a high school senior at Fox Chapel Area High School, stumbled upon a unique question while pouring juice into a glass. This simple act of pouring juice led him to question the impact of a container’s elasticity on the way its fluid drains. What started as a science fair project turned into a collaborative experiment with his father, Sachin Velankar, a professor of chemical and petroleum engineering.

The Experiment

The Velankars set up their experiment in the family’s basement and delved into exploring the relationship between a container’s flexibility and the manner in which fluid is dispensed. Their research culminated in the publication of their first joint paper in the journal Physics of Fluids. Rohit’s initial findings revealed that deli containers with rubber lids emptied faster than those with plastic lids, sparking further curiosity into the dynamics of fluid draining.

To conduct their study, the Velankars fabricated acrylic bottles with rubber lids at Fox Chapel Area High School’s makerspace. By incorporating sensors near the hole at the bottom of each bottle, they were able to measure pressure oscillations with each glug. Through meticulous experimentation involving the adjustment of hole diameters to simulate flexibility, they discovered that flexible bottles drained at a faster rate, albeit with larger and less frequent glugs.

The implications of the Velankars’ research extend beyond the realm of fluid dynamics. Their collaborative project not only shed light on the intricate relationship between container elasticity and fluid draining but also underscored the value of interdisciplinary collaboration. As Sachin Velankar aptly stated, “I became quite invested in the project myself as a scientist.” This research opens doors for further exploration into the design and engineering of containers for more efficient fluid dispensation.

The Velankar’s father-son experiment showcases the power of curiosity and collaboration in scientific inquiry. By embarking on a journey to unravel a seemingly mundane phenomenon, they have contributed valuable insights to the field of fluid dynamics. Their work serves as a testament to the limitless possibilities that emerge when passion, inquiry, and ingenuity converge.

Physics

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