High speed imaging of transient non-Newtonian fluid phenomena

Abstract

In this thesis, I investigate the utility of high speed imaging for gaining scientific insight into the nature of short-duration transient fluid phenomena, specifically applied to the Kaye effect. The Kaye effect, noted by A. Kaye in the March 9, 1963 issue of Nature, is the deflection and rebound of a free-falling non-Newtonian fluid stream incident on a pool of the same fluid. The effect was successfully reproduced using Suave[TM] shampoo, and imaged using the Phantom[TM] High Speed Video system. This task involved developing a knowledge of the photographic process as applied to high speed imaging, and of non-Newtonian fluid mechanics. No precisely reproducible method for producing rebounding streams was found, and behavior contrary to the existing body of observation were noted. In conclusion, areas that merited further investigation and potential variables of interest to future Kaye effect research are discussed.