Splash Lab

Happy to report on our latest publication Droplets on bent fibers. Work done in collaboration with the University of Liege (GRASP) and BYU.
https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fphys.org%2Fnews%2F2018-04-thread-bent-fibers.html&h=ATMVx64JbTOqB-ENeDogiKHwpxUMcz5O6tKQQB0Puv6h-c2in8p7roqXL_zG4zWq7AB-rQUR50CkW7AFv-0Ai_pa_RHnoJuZt9ZNt2CX9nyXh-QpM9-zAje_ms7_Dv7YUOIOrL2LUzXDdlcrYCr3lQ

Hanging by a thread: Why bent fibers hold more water On your next stroll through the woods, take a look at the dew droplets hanging from the leaves. If you see moisture on a cypress or juniper tree with their distinct bifurcated leaves, you'll likely see those water droplets defying the rules of physics.

Hi riders,

My name is Tadd Truscott and I am a professor at USU. I recently received a grant to study on the movement and behavior of cycling pelotons. I am looking for skilled cyclists to participate in a study where my lab and I will analyze the efficiency and behavior of the group and individuals using GPS, watt meters, heart rate meters and overhead drone footage. We are holding our first racing series on November 10th and would like to encourage riders to participate that can maintain a speed of 26 mph and are capable of holding a peloton formation for up to 20 miles.

Each race will consist of a 5 mile loop near Trenton, UT. This ride will be repeated 8-10 times. The first three laps we will be testing 6 peloton shapes, which will involve asking the group to maintain specific shapes and riders to hold fixed positions within the peloton. The last 5 laps are short races (2 loops each) that encourage team and individual dynamics. Teams will be assigned and discussed before the races begin.

The race on November 10th is a way for us to gather a first round of data before winter comes. We can assess our methods over the winter and prepare for the more serious series in March and April where we will bring riders back for a series of 8 races during the early season (jerseys and other swag will be provided at that time). The rides provide a unique opportunity to train and enhance skills in groups and provide some healthy competition, not to mention you will be helping to advance science! The events are meant to be fun and encourage learning between the riders and the scientists; we hope the results will provide several key findings. We look forward to learning from your participation. Please invite others you may know that have your same skill level.

If you have the skills to maintain a speed of 26 mph in a tight and competitive group, please come join us in November for our first shake down ride! Your input and participation is very valuable to us! You may be interested to know that our group has already analyzed the 2016 Tour de France and our findings are incredible in my opinion! The data we gather in November and April will greatly improve what we already know.

Please contact me if you would like to participate,

Tadd T. Truscott, PhD
Associate Professor
Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Utah State University
4130 Old Main Road
ENGR 419J
Logan, UT 84322-4130
c. 801.550.9598
[email protected]

Home About The Splash Lab seeks to unravel the physical mechanisms of fluid behaviors, through a novel 3D volumetric measurement method known as Synthetic Aperture Imaging and imbedded instrumentation (e.g., accelerometers, etc). We experimentally analyze fluid systems such as fluid-structure interaction...

We were highlighted in the Washington Post! https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/speaking-of-science/wp/2016/06/07/moss-is-a-master-of-mechanical-engineering/

Moss is a master of mechanical engineering Desert moss's water collecting is strikingly efficient — and stunning to watch.

I am so proud to announce our Nature Plants article!!! http://www.nature.com/articles/nplants201676

The upside-down water collection system of Syntrichia caninervis The desert moss Syntrichia caninervis maximizes water collection in dry environments by collecting water droplets from fog using the tiny hairs on the end of its leaves and passing them down through the plant, rather than taking water up through the roots.

Happy Saint Patricks Day! Go smash a bottle! But be safe.
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/03/18/science/water-is-the-real-force-behind-breaking-a-bottle-with-your-bare-hands.html?_r=1

Water is the Real Force Behind Breaking a Bottle With Your Bare Hands St. Patrick’s Day introduces the possibility that glass shards will fly tonight. Fluid dynamics explain why a successful break is not an act of human strength.

Join our webcast at 11 MST!!!! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qoa_w1w8HFw&feature=youtu.be

GO sign up for tomorrows webcast with us! patreon.com/fyfd?ty=h

FYFD is creating science articles and videos Patreon is empowering a new generation of creators. Support and engage with artists and creators as they live out their passions!

2 Utah State Engineering professors were awarded NSF CAREER!

Utah State Today - Utah State University News News and information source for Utah State University.

Eureka a ball that walks on water! ;) http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2016-02/usu-wow020416.php

Walking on water: USU researchers unravel science of skipping spheres Skipping stones across the water surface can be tricky. So why is it so easy to get such impressive water-skipping performance from an elastic ball? USU Splash Lab researchers say they have answers that may reveal a lot about water impact physics.