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Rolling with the waves

Roll waves play a crucial role in hydraulic engineering, but current design standards overlook their formation. Researchers at Kyoto University discovered a fundamental flaw in existing standards, revealing the importance of understanding unsteady flows like roll waves.

SourceKyoto University·JournalPhysics of Fluids·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 15, 2026

From ship wakes to soft tissues: Exploring fluid and solid surface-wave physics

Researchers discovered that ultrasoft elastic materials generate a V-shaped wake similar to boat wakes, blurring the distinction between wave behavior on solids and fluids. This finding could lead to new approaches for soft-tissue diagnostics and understanding the properties of natural and engineered soft materials.

How fast does smoke rise, rain fall, and a supernova explode?

Researchers at OIST and University of Turin developed a general formulation for mixing heavy particles with fluid, enabling study of fundamental physics phenomena and applied research in fluid engineering. Simulations reveal the formation of sediment plumes and the role of friction in particle interactions.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 11, 2026

On the energy loss maximization in gas-liquid two-phase flows driven by rotors

The study reveals that torque maximization arises from both direct collisions and pressure imbalances in gas-liquid interface waves. This phenomenon is significant for energy savings and optimal design in complex industrial equipment, such as power transmission devices, cooling systems, and chemical agitators.

SourceThe University of Osaka·JournalMultiphase Science and Technology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 15, 2025

Technique allows estimation of the force acting on each grain of sand in a dune

Brazilian researchers have developed a technique that estimates the force exerted on each grain of sand in a dune from images, enabling the study of previously unmeasurable physical processes. The method uses numerical simulations and artificial intelligence to transform the study of granular system dynamics.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateOct 23, 2025

Information entropy untangles vortices and flows in turbulent plasmas

Researchers develop a novel analytical method to capture localized structures and reveal the intertwined behavior of multiple fluctuating fields. They introduce two new measures based on information entropy, which quantify structural complexity and degree of coupling between turbulent structures.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalPhysical Review Research·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 1, 2025

Breaking a century-old physics barrier: perfect wave trapping with simple cylinders

Researchers at Pohang University of Science & Technology and Jeonbuk National University successfully trapped mechanical waves within a single resonator, overcoming a century-old physics barrier. The discovery opens new possibilities for energy harvesting, ultra-sensitive sensors, and advanced communications.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 10, 2025

How to get rid of carbon dioxide for good

Computer simulations show that captured CO2 can be permanently stored underground by mixing with groundwater, creating a denser liquid that sinks and remains there. Suitable geological conditions, such as impermeable rock layers and porous aquifers, are necessary for effective CO2 storage.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 9, 2025

New UVA professor’s research may boost next-generation space rockets

A UVA professor has made new discoveries about electron kinetic behavior within plasma beams, potentially revealing the 'shape' of future space technology. The findings could lead to more efficient and reliable electric propulsion systems for long-duration space missions.

SourceUniversity of Virginia School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalPlasma Sources Science and Technology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 3, 2025

Seed slippage: Champati cha-cha

A team of physicists studied the unique motion of Champati seeds rolling down slopes, revealing a spread-out, then collapse-like behavior akin to rock avalanches. The research may provide valuable insights into geological flows and contribute to resolving challenges in this area.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateNov 19, 2024

To make fluid flow in one direction down a pipe, it helps to be a shark

A team of researchers from the University of Washington has developed a flexible pipe with an interior helical structure inspired by shark intestines, which can keep fluid flowing in one direction without flaps. The design rivaled and exceeded Tesla valves, a one-way fluid flow device invented over a century ago.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 25, 2024

Surprising properties of elastic turbulence discovered

Elastic turbulence, a chaotic fluid motion in non-Newtonian fluids, exhibits universal power-law decay of energy and intermittent behavior. This study reveals its unexpected similarity to classical Newtonian turbulence, paving the way for developing a complete mathematical theory and predicting flow patterns.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 27, 2024

Stick-to-itiveness: Pitt engineers show self-organization of sticky micron-to-mesoscale 3D structures in confined fluids

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have developed a system that uses fluid mechanics and chemo-mechanical processes to autonomously assemble hierarchical 3D structures. The system utilizes sticky bonds to drive self-organization, allowing for the construction of complex devices with minimal external intervention.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalPNAS Nexus·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 31, 2023

Science in the kitchen

Researchers from the University of Warsaw explore how kitchen phenomena lead to breakthroughs in biomedicine and nanotechnology. They describe bubbles in champagne, Leidenfrost effect, and surface tension, revealing surprising connections between food science and scientific discoveries.

SourceUniversity of Warsaw, Faculty of Physics·JournalReviews of Modern Physics·DateJun 22, 2023

Why do Champagne bubbles rise the way they do? Scientists’ new discovery is worthy of a toast

Researchers from Brown University and the University of Toulouse found that surfactants make Champagne bubble chains stable. The experiments showed that larger bubbles and surfactants help reduce tensions between liquid and gas, creating a smooth rise. This discovery has implications for understanding bubbly flows in fluid mechanics.

SourceBrown University·JournalPhysical Review Fluids·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 3, 2023