Measuring the flowing forces and bending on aquatic plants
Wednesday, October 5, 2016 - 09:33
in Earth & Climate
Beneath the surface of rivers and streams, aquatic plants sway with the current, playing an unseen but vital role in the life of the waterway. Through a new series of experiments that model these underwater undulations, researchers have measured how the current bends simulated plants and the drag forces exerted on them. The analysis is important for better management and understanding of these aquatic systems, and potentially even for energy-harvesting devices.