The Science Behind Fluid Drainage from Containers

Rohit Velankar, a senior at Fox Chapel Area High School, was curious about how the elasticity of a container impacts the way its fluid drains. What started as a science fair project turned into a collaborative effort with his father, Sachin Velankar, a professor of chemical and petroleum engineering at the University of Pittsburgh Swanson School of Engineering. Together, they set up an experiment in their basement to explore this phenomenon.

Their research, which was published in the journal Physics of Fluids, revealed that deli containers with rubber lids emptied faster than those with plastic lids. The “glugging” sound that occurs during fluid drainage is a result of pressure changes within the container. The experiment also showed that highly flexible containers, such as those used for IV fluids or boxed wine, could dispense fluid without glugging. By adjusting the diameter of the hole in their own acrylic bottles, they were able to simulate flexibility and confirm that flexible bottles drain faster with bigger, more infrequent glugs.

The collaboration between Rohit and Sachin Velankar not only shed light on a common phenomenon but also demonstrated the value of interdisciplinary research. By combining Rohit’s curiosity and Sachin’s expertise, they were able to contribute valuable insights to the field of fluid dynamics. This study serves as a testament to the power of hands-on experimentation and the impact of mentorship in scientific exploration.

The findings of this study may have implications for various industries that rely on fluid containers. Understanding how elasticity influences fluid drainage could lead to improvements in packaging design and transportation of liquids. This research opens up new possibilities for optimizing the efficiency of fluid transfer systems and minimizing waste in the process. As Rohit continues his academic journey and Sachin mentors future generations of scientists, the impact of their collaboration is sure to ripple through the scientific community.