Sabtu, 12 Mei 2012

It's all in the walk: Scientists explore the physics behind spilling coffee

It's all in the walk: Scientists explore the physics behind spilling coffee

By Daily Mail Reporter

PUBLISHED: 16:26 EST, 11 May 2012 | UPDATED: 21:22 EST, 11 May 2012

Researchers are a step closer to understanding the science behind one of life’s common pitfalls - spilling coffee.

Scientists from the University of California, Santa Barbara, decided to investigate the physics behind the best way of carrying coffee without causing spillages.

‘In our busy lives, almost all of us have to walk with a cup of coffee. While often we spill the drink, this familiar phenomenon has never been explored systematically,’ the abstract of the paper entitled ‘Walking with coffee: Why does it spill?’ states.

Physics: The research found that in average sized mugs the coffee¿s natural frequency was the same as a person¿s gait, which caused the liquid to oscillate

Physics: The research found that in average sized mugs the coffee¿s natural frequency was the same as a person¿s gait, which caused the liquid to oscillate

‘Here we report on the results of an experimental study of the conditions under which coffee spills for various walking speeds and initial liquid levels in the cup.’

Rouslan Krechetnikov, a mechanical engineer at the university, and his graduate student, Hans Mayer, explored the phenomenon by conducting a series of experiments.

They monitored a person walking at different speeds along a straight path while holding a full mug of coffee and either focusing on the mug, or looking straight ahead.

A camera recorded the volunteer’s motion, while a tiny sensor on the mug recorded the instant of spillage, according to ScienceNOW.

Advice: The scientists said leaving a large gap between the coffee and the top of the drinking vessel, and walking slower, prevents spillages

Advice: The scientists said leaving a large gap between the coffee and the top of the drinking vessel, and walking slower, prevents spillages

The research, published in the journal Physical Review E, found that in average sized mugs the coffee’s natural frequency was the same as a person’s gait, which caused the liquid to oscillate.

The spillages were most likely between a coffee carrier’s seventh and tenth step, according to Live Science.

Following their discovery, the mechanical engineers had some advice for coffee drinkers.

They said leaving a large gap between the coffee and the top of the drinking vessel, and walking slower, prevents spillages.

They added that watching the mug, rather than the floor, while carrying it proved to be a more effective coffee-holding method.

Here's what other readers have said. Why not add your thoughts, or debate this issue live on our message boards.

The comments below have not been moderated.

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Why do you think war veterans with a limp were employed in taverns in the past! This research is a complete waste of money - we already know the answer!

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The cat's just knocked mine over.

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Stirring the coffee well before walking is the best way to prevent spills. The swirling fluid won't slop back and forth in the mug.

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For years, I've put on a limp when carrying coffee. This stops the rhythm and prevents spilling. Can I have my share of the grant?

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Duh ..we already knew thanks..

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1. Any less spillage when running? 2. Try whizzing it around, on a string. Centripetal force might keep it in the cup. 3. Any difference in the southern hemisphere? 4. You could drink it before you moved.

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Better things to study?????

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AMERICA: you are in a RECESSION. So WHY are universities giving out GRANTS to people to study UTTER RUBBISH like this? I could have given you the answer for $100 bucks or a nice bunch of flowers- DON'T FILL YOUR CUP UP TOO FULL!!! This is what happens when you can enter alleged places of higher learning (!) on football and cheerleading scholarships.

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With all there brains they can't see this is a waste of money an resources.

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OMG!.....And of course,(as in the photo above) we have al seen somebody coming back into office completey covered in coffee splashed all over their clothes every day! (NOT) Clearly this 'research' is utterly vital......if only to make us aware of the fact that all those poor, coffee stained bu**ers who go out for a coffee, and who always return in need of a change of clothes, are STILL human beings just like like the rest of us! What's more, be this daily 'spillage' coffee or tea.....or even just a hot cup o' soup, or a fizzy cola, these folk who constantly end up spattered in their choice of beverage during the working day, also need our sympathy and understanding, and NOT our laughter at their inability to walk and carry a drink at the same time. So the next time you see someone with tomato soup and coffee stains down their clothes after lunch; put your arms around them, and with a hug, whisper, "It's not your fault. I understand and I'm here for you". :-D

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