In a ground floor laboratory inside the Barus and Holley building at Brown University, students are gathered around a brightly colored mix of fluids. Every few seconds, droplets fall into a beaker holding a white, blue, and neon pink blend, causing liquid to splash upwards. The students carefully observe each impact and pattern before adjusting the experiment for a more precise splash.
The students show a sense of wonder as they watch the colorful liquids interact in unique ways. Despite their attention to detail and scientific backgrounds, their goal is not purely scientific. Instead, they are conducting the experiment as part of Engineering 0350: Art Fluid Engineering, aiming to capture stunning imagery of the different ways liquids can splash using high-speed photography.
Through their experimentation, the students are bridging the gap between science and art, showcasing the beauty and creativity that can arise from a foundation of scientific knowledge. Their end product is intended to demonstrate how scientific principles can also be applied to artistic creation.
As they work together to create visually appealing splashes that go beyond scientific exploration, the students collaborate on every aspect of their experimentation. From selecting the right fluids to adjusting lighting conditions for optimal photography results, they are constantly working together to achieve their desired outcome.
Despite their focus on capturing stunning images through high-speed photography, these students remain rooted in science. They understand that understanding how liquids behave under pressure and flow through different mediums is essential to creating visually appealing splashes.
In this ground floor laboratory inside Barus and Holley building at Brown University, students have found a way to merge their love for science with their passion for art. Through their experiments in Art Fluid Engineering, they have discovered new ways of expressing themselves while also showcasing the beauty and creativity that can arise from scientific knowledge.
