Communicating science using creative abstract interpretations of common fluid phenomena

Fluid dynamics is commonly taught during the junior year of engineering and physics undergraduate programs. Despite strong intuitions on how fluids move, the coursework requires students to learn complex analytical solutions that seem disconnected from the visually striking behavior of fluids. The goal of this project is to create aesthetic representations of the intricate patterns found in moving fluids in an attempt to communicate the concepts to the general public without the tedious derivations. In this talk, I will present some of my abstract interpretations of common fluid phenomena. This project was conducted in collaboration with the Astrobiology Journal Club at Montana State University. Several acrylic paintings were exhibited in the Montana Science Center and the Bozeman Public Library. Details of the outreach events, its impact on the community at large and ideas to further the outreach efforts will be discussed.