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Visualization of two-dimensional flows by a Liquid (Soap) Film Tunnel

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Abstract

Experimentally produced two-dimensional flows have become possible in recent years due to the invention of Liquid Film Tunnel (LFT) in 1987 by Gharib and Derango. This simple, inexpensive, yet powerful device, which we have improved extensively over the last decade, can generate a variety of flows. Liquid (soap) films can be visualized through light interference effects produced by small variations in the film thickness. Flow-disturbing objects such as cylinders, wedges, and air bubbles create these variations. Monochromatic visualization of these thickness variations will render phenomenally accurate graphic information about the flow patterns thus produced. Under a polychromatic light, these interference effects can be spectacular, due to reflection of different colors by different isothickness regions.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. California Institute of Technology, 1200 East California Boulevard, 91125, Pasadena, CA, USA

    Gharib M.

  2. University of California, 9500 Gilman Pr., La Jolla, 92093-0411, San Diego, CA, USA

    Beizaie M.

Authors
  1. Gharib M.
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  2. Beizaie M.
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Additional information

Mory Gharib: He is a professor of aeronautics at the California Institute of Technology. He holds a Ph.D. from Caltech, and has made numerous contributions to the understanding of fluid physics through invention of novel experimental techniques such as Digital Particle Image Velocimetry. According to his students, his love for fluid mechanics is contagious. He is well known in the fields of vortex dynamics, cardiovascular flows, free surface phenomena, and image processing.

Masoud Beizaie: He is a research associate at the Center of Excellence for Advanced Materials, University of California, San Diego. He holds a Ph.D. from Syracuse University and is a registered Professional Chemical Engineer. His research interests include image processing, polymers, surfactants, and filtration.

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Gharib, M., Beizaie, M. Visualization of two-dimensional flows by a Liquid (Soap) Film Tunnel. J Vis 2, 119–126 (1999). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03181514

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03181514

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