Open Pipe Flow

The purpose of this exhibit would be to show the velocity and drag forces in fluids through different size pipes. This would be shown by having children reach into and feel fluids flowing through pipes at different points, to see how velocity and drag vary with changing diameter of pipe and with different fluids.

This exhibit would consist of clear pipes with holes in the top which children could reach into and feel the difference in speed of the fluid. A third feeling point could be at the end of the pipe, where the fluid may be ejected through a even smaller opening. Two or more of these pipes could be set up to compare different fluids in similar situations. If the fluid were to fill the pipe, however, a hole would cause the fluid to flow out of the pipe at the feeling points, so a system would need to be developed to compensate for this (perhaps a rubber glove could be used which would be attached to cover the hole, yet still reach down into the pipe.