This experiment is one of my favorites to use when teaching university-level fluid mechanics, because it is quite a complex task to demonstrate and analyze the aerodynamic lift. The easiest explanation is that lift is generated by the rotation of the cups. How and why the vortex generates lift is much more complex, but remember that as the air velocity increases, the pressure decreases. And remember... higher pressure regions always push.

Please login or register to read the rest of this content.


Have a question ?

Tell us what you're thinking...

Comments

5 Responses to “Butterflying Cups”

  1. starelight092301 says:

    that was so funny when you knocked the camera

  2. spblomstrom says:

    Thats the best when you knocked out the camera my mom was laughing so hard!

  3. I keep watching where you knocked out the camera. LOL sorry if its mean.

  4. Debbie Aslinger says:

    That’s hilarious!

    -Lucy Aslinger-

  5. Lynn Glasheen says:

    Hilarious.my sister kept asking me to see the part when you hit the camera she thought it was so funny.