TexNET > Exhibits > Motion > Turbulent Orb ..

The Turbulent Orb is a large polycarbonate sphere full of special, colored, flow-visualization fluid. The sphere is mounted on top of a pedestal and can be spun in either direction and at different speeds. The fluid in the sphere shows swirls and waves of internal fluid motions produced by the actions of the visitors. The turbulence of the fluid in the sphere is reminiscent of the turbulent flows that occur in planetary atmospheres. This exhibit shows the complexities of fluid motion that can be produced by very simple circumstances.