The story of Rohit Velankar, a senior at Fox Chapel Area High School, showcases how a simple curiosity can lead to groundbreaking discoveries. As he poured juice into a glass, the sound of “glug, glug, glug” made him question if a container’s elasticity affects the way its fluid drains. This innocent pondering sparked a scientific journey that went beyond a typical science fair project.
Rohit’s collaboration with his father, Sachin Velankar, a professor of chemical and petroleum engineering at the University of Pittsburgh Swanson School of Engineering, elevated the project to a new level. Together, they conducted experiments in their basement, delving into the dynamics of fluid draining from different types of containers. The bond between father and son deepened as they worked towards a common goal of unraveling a scientific mystery.
The results of their experiments were published in the esteemed journal Physics of Fluids, marking a significant milestone in both Rohit and Sachin Velankar’s scientific careers. The initial experiments revealed that containers with rubber lids drained faster than those with plastic lids, shedding light on the role of elasticity in fluid dynamics. The discovery of “glugging” and its connection to pressure fluctuations opened up new avenues for further exploration.
To conduct their experiments, the Velankars used innovative methods, including creating their own acrylic bottles with rubber lids at Fox Chapel Area High School’s makerspace. By placing sensors near the drainage holes, they were able to measure pressure oscillations during the draining process. Adjusting the diameter of the holes allowed them to simulate different levels of flexibility in the containers, leading to the conclusion that flexible bottles drain faster, albeit with larger and less frequent glugs.
The story of Rohit and Sachin Velankar’s scientific endeavor serves as a testament to the power of curiosity and collaboration in the world of research. Their journey from a simple question about the sound of pouring juice to a published paper in a respected journal exemplifies the spirit of exploration and innovation that drives scientific discovery. As they continue to explore the influence of container elasticity on fluid draining, the Velankars inspire others to pursue their own scientific inquiries with dedication and creativity.
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