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Swimming As Easy In Syrup As In Water

Posted by timothy on from the chlorine-ratio-adjustment dept.

chthonicdaemon writes "Nature is running a story about scientists at the University of Minnesota who proved that swimming speed is not a large function of the viscosity of the liquid. To do this, they thickened the water in a pool with guar gum. Fun ensued. This is the type of thing that usually keeps to thought experiments. Interesting to see someone prove it."

3 of 94 comments (clear)

  1. Detials here by lhaeh · · Score: 5, Informative
    Going for the goo

    It gives you an idea of how they setup the experement.

    The team devised a Rube Goldberg-like contraption using a large green plastic garbage can, a drill with a mixing head, and a length of PVC piping. The device permitted them to pump the guar gum solution directly into the pool, an operation that took about four hours on a Saturday afternoon.

  2. Re:Bad analogy by rusty0101 · · Score: 5, Informative

    It is an even worse analogy than that. The cause of the resistance is not the flat face of the surface, but the flat back of the surface causing turbulance, and drag.

    Put a cone on the back of whatever you are trying to push through the air, and the resistance will be significantly lower.

    -Rusty

    --
    You never know...
  3. Woot. by a+whoabot · · Score: 5, Funny

    ' "The best swimmer should have the body of a snake and the arms of a gorilla."

    Edward Cussler
    University of Minnesota '

    TROGDOR!?!?