Analyzing the Connection Between Container Elasticity and Fluid Drainage

When Rohit Velankar, a senior at Fox Chapel Area High School, embarked on a simple science fair project to explore how a container’s elasticity affects the way its fluid drains, little did he know that it would evolve into a groundbreaking research endeavor. Teaming up with his father, Sachin Velankar, a professor of chemical and petroleum engineering at the University of Pittsburgh Swanson School of Engineering, Rohit conducted experiments in their basement that led to the publication of their findings in the journal Physics of Fluids. This collaboration not only allowed Rohit to delve deeper into the scientific process but also provided an invaluable opportunity for father and son to work together on a professional level.

Research Findings

One of the key discoveries made by the Velankars was that container flexibility plays a significant role in the drainage speed of fluids. Through their experiments, they observed that deli containers with rubber lids emptied faster than those with plastic lids, shedding light on the phenomenon of “glugging.” This process, as Sachin Velankar explained, occurs when the exiting fluid reduces the pressure within the container, causing characteristic sound and interruptions in the flow. By creating their own acrylic bottles with rubber lids and incorporating sensors to measure pressure oscillations during drainage, the Velankars were able to confirm that flexible bottles drain faster, albeit with larger and less frequent glugs.

Implications and Future Research

The implications of the Velankars’ research extend beyond the realm of fluid dynamics, offering insights into the design and engineering of everyday containers. Understanding how elasticity influences fluid drainage could lead to the development of more efficient and practical packaging solutions, particularly in industries where precise liquid dispensing is crucial. Furthermore, their work raises questions about the various types of flexible bottles available on the market and how their specific characteristics impact drainage performance. Future research in this area could explore the relationship between container material, shape, and flexibility in greater detail, providing a more comprehensive understanding of this complex interaction.

The collaboration between Rohit and Sachin Velankar highlights the transformative power of scientific inquiry and the importance of exploring seemingly mundane phenomena. By investigating the connection between container elasticity and fluid drainage, the Velankars have not only expanded our knowledge of this process but also demonstrated the value of curiosity-driven research. Their findings pave the way for further exploration in this field and underscore the potential for innovative solutions to everyday challenges through scientific investigation.