While pouring juice into a glass, Rohit Velankar noticed the rhythmic “glug, glug, glug” sound coming from the carton. This simple observation led him to wonder if a container’s elasticity played a role in the way its contents were dispensed. Initially, Rohit’s curiosity was fueled by a desire to explore this question for a science fair project. However, it quickly evolved into a collaborative research endeavor when he enlisted the help of his father, Sachin Velankar, who is a professor of chemical and petroleum engineering at the University of Pittsburgh Swanson School of Engineering.
Together, Rohit and Sachin set up an experiment in their family’s basement to investigate the impact of container flexibility on fluid drainage. Their collaborative efforts resulted in the publication of their first joint paper, which appears in the journal Physics of Fluids. The initial experiments conducted by Rohit revealed that deli containers with rubber lids emptied at a faster rate than those with plastic lids. This discovery prompted further inquiry into the underlying mechanisms governing fluid dynamics in flexible containers.
To delve deeper into the relationship between container elasticity and fluid drainage, the Velankar duo designed their own acrylic bottles with rubber lids. These custom bottles were crafted using tools available at Fox Chapel Area High School’s makerspace. Each bottle was equipped with a sensor near the bottom hole to monitor pressure oscillations during the dispensing process. By adjusting the diameter of the hole, the Velankars were able to simulate different levels of flexibility in the containers, thus confirming that more flexible bottles drained liquids faster, albeit with larger and less frequent “glugs.”
The insights gained from this study shed light on the intricate relationship between container design and fluid dynamics. The Velankars’ research not only enhances our understanding of how elasticity influences fluid drainage but also opens up new avenues for optimizing container design in various applications. By blending scientific curiosity with hands-on experimentation, Rohit and Sachin Velankar have demonstrated the power of collaborative inquiry in uncovering hidden truths about everyday phenomena. As they continue to explore the nuances of container elasticity, their work serves as a testament to the spirit of scientific exploration and discovery.
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