Blending Fluid Mechanics and Art in the Classroom

Fluid mechanics offers a unique combination of scientific principles and aesthetic appeal, highlighting the inherent beauty of both natural and engineered phenomena. Here, we present low-cost projects developed for the "Art-Fluids Engineering" course at Brown University, which explores the integration of engineering concepts with creative expression through three distinct projects. In Part I, students use a peristaltic pump and an Arduino-controlled camera setup to capture striking images of fluid droplet impacts, manipulating lighting, timing, and fluid properties to explore viscosity and surface tension. Part II features a tabletop setup where students generate vortex rings using smoke and laser illumination, enabling them to visualize vorticity and appreciate the aesthetics of both laminar and turbulent flow. In Part III, students design and create an art piece that represents a fluid mechanics phenomenon, merging their engineering knowledge with creativity while considering factors such as budget and spatial design for a course exhibit. Examples from the implementation of the projects in Spring 2023 and Spring 2024 iterations of the course will be shared throughout.