Researchers crack an enduring physics enigma

Phys.org ^ | Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne

[BenLurkin]

For decades, physicists, engineers and mathematicians have failed to explain a remarkable phenomenon in fluid mechanics: the natural tendency of turbulence in fluids to move from disordered chaos to perfectly parallel patterns of oblique turbulent bands. This transition from a state of chaotic turbulence to a highly structured pattern was observed by many scientists, but never understood.

For decades, physicists, engineers and mathematicians have failed to explain a remarkable phenomenon in fluid mechanics: the natural tendency of turbulence in fluids to move from disordered chaos to perfectly parallel patterns of oblique turbulent bands. This transition from a state of chaotic turbulence to a highly structured pattern was observed by many scientists, but never understood.

The researchers combined...dynamical systems theory, with existing theories on pattern formation in fluids and advanced numerical simulations. They calculated specific equilibrium solutions for each step of the process, enabling them to explain the transition from the chaotic to the structured state.

In fluid mechanics, stripe pattern formation is important because it shows how turbulent and laminar flows are in constant competition with each other to determine the final state of the fluid, i.e., turbulent or laminar. This competition arises whenever turbulence forms, such as when air flows over a car. The turbulence starts in a small area on the car's roof, but then it spreads—because turbulence is stronger than laminar flow in this particular case. The final state is therefore turbulent.

When the stripe pattern forms, it means that the laminar and turbulent flows are equal in strength.

[BenLurkin]

[Red Badger]

I’m glad they finally cleared that up........................

[Nateman]

Doctor’s use this to determine blood pressure. The pressure for when blood flow is smooth and when it becomes turbulent
.

[tgusa]

Sheldon must have been involved.....

[READINABLUESTATE]

Pffft. Every injection mold tech knows this.

[seawolf101]

[dp0622]

ROFLMAO!! You can finally get some rest!!

[Navy Patriot]

Fight Entropy!

[Red Badger]

When I think of the many nights I lay awake.................

[Larry Lucido]

For decades, physicists, engineers and mathematicians have failed to explain a remarkable phenomenon in fluid mechanics: the natural tendency of turbulence in fluids to move from disordered chaos to perfectly parallel patterns of oblique turbulent bands. This transition from a state of chaotic turbulence to a highly structured pattern was observed by many scientists, but never understood.

For decades, physicists, engineers and mathematicians have failed to explain a remarkable phenomenon in fluid mechanics: the natural tendency of turbulence in fluids to move from disordered chaos to perfectly parallel patterns of oblique turbulent bands. This transition from a state of chaotic turbulence to a highly structured pattern was observed by many scientists, but never understood.

Is this an example? Or is that something else?

[Leaning Right]

What do you mean, “researchers crack”? I solved this physics problem, years ago. It was while I was designing the new addition to the Guggenheim. And it didn’t take very long, either.

[Track9]

I would think it has to do with electromagnetic effects as molecules rub against each other. Laminar flow having stabilizing properties.. turbulent flow being made up of many smaller laminar flows with a tendency to organize according to charge.
But Im not a physicist, as one who knows more might tell.

[mistfree]

“Fight Entropy!”

With every breath I take!

[dp0622]

ROFL!!

I wasted so many years over this!

The answer was right in front of my face the whole time...

I dont give a hoot :)

[Drango]

Does the bear poop in the woods?

[NorthMountain]

90% of the population doesn’t have the intellectual capacity to understand this article.

[Jamestown1630]

There’s a difference between intellectual capacity and technical knowledge.

[Disambiguator]

It was published by the Dept. of Redundancy Dept.

[NorthMountain]

I know that.