July 26–30, 2014
43
Session SPS: SPS Undergraduate and
Graduate Outreach Poster Session
Location: Coffman Union ground floor
Sponsor: Committee on Physics in Undergraduate Education
Date: Sunday, July 27
Time: 8–10 p.m.
Presider: Toni Sauncy
SPS01: 8-10 p.m. Brazil Nut Effect in the Binary Granular System
Poster –Yaran Li, Southeast University, Jiulong Lake Campus, Southeast University
Nanjing, Jiangsu 211189, China;
Yue Yu, Yue Gao, Southeast University
Larger particles often end up on the surface of the binary granular system when the
container is shaken, which is the so called Brazil nut effect. We carry out the experi-
ment by controlling vibration frequency and amplitude. Not only do we observe
the Brazil nut effect, but we also reverse the Brazil nut effect, sandwich layered, and
even some other configurations. The relations between vibration frequency, ampli-
tude, and separated configurations are found, and we find that the factor of air plays
an important role in this system.
SPS02: 8–10 p.m. Comparing Alternate Approaches to Spacetime
Diagrams: The Loedel Diagram
Poster – Tobias A. Nelson,* University of Wisconsin La Crosse, 1725 State St., La
Crosse, WI 54601;
Roberto Salgado, University of Wisconsin La Crosse
As part of a systematic survey of the various methods for drawing spacetime dia-
grams for special relativity, we present the Loedel diagram and its advantages and
disadvantages compared to the traditional Minkowski diagram.
1. E. Loede, “Geometric representation of the Lorentz Transformation,”
Am.. J. Phys
.
25,
327
(May 1957.)
*Sponsored by Roberto Salgado.
SPS03: 8–10 p.m. Energy Loss in Maxwell Rolling Pendulum System
Poster – Jixuan Hou, Southeast University, Department of Physics, Southeast Univer-
sity Nanjing, Jiangsu 211189, China;
Jing Ji, Southeast University
We have analyzed the dynamics of an ideal Maxwell rolling pendulum system and
semi-quantitatively demonstrated the energy loss cased by different physical mecha-
nisms. By measuring the variance of the maximum height that the pendulum can
reach each time, we conclude that air friction is not the primary cause of energy loss
in the system, and the energy transfer to the swing pendulum motion might be the
main reason of the energy loss.
SPS04: 8–10 p.m. Laminar Fluid Flow In Non-Circular Pipes
Poster – Michael J. Yohn,* 824 Menomonie St., Eau Claire, WI 54703; yohnmj@uwec.
edu
The properties of laminar fluid flow have been well understood in the context of
circular pipes for years. These properties, however, have not been well researched or
compared to identical properties for pipes of a non-circular shape. These compari-
sons have applications for space saving and efficiency increases in architecture, engi-
neering, and even medicine. Half pipes of a circle, square, and triangle with uniform
cross-sectional surface area were constructed with PVC piping and sheeting, and
filled with corn syrup. Aluminum foil squares were suspended in the corn syrup
and their movements were observed. The flowing syrup was captured in digital
video and then run through video analysis in LoggerPro to determine flow rates for
various points. This analysis allows for fluid and energy transfer determinations and
comparisons between the differently shaped pipes to be made, allowing for analysis
of pipe shape efficiency as a whole.
*Sponsored by Matthew Evans
Sunday, July 27
Highlights
AAPT Workshops
REGISTRATION
7 a.m.–4 p.m. Coffman ground floor
H.S. Physics Photo Contest
Viewing and Voting Coffman ground floor
Publications Committee 8–10 a.m. Coffman Union 303
Meetings Committee 8–10:15 a.m. Coffman Mississippi
Programs Committee I 5:30–6:30 p.m. STSS 330
Section Representatives 5:30–8 p.m.
STSS 220
H.S. Share-a-Thon 6–8 p.m. Tate Lab 133
Committee Meetings, 6:30–8 p.m.
–PIRA Committee STSS 512A
–Teacher Preparation STSS 420B
–Undergrad. Education STSS 432B
–Women in Physics STSS 432A
–Interest of Seniors STSS 131B
REGISTRATION
7:30–9 p.m. Coffman ground floor
Exhibit Hall Opens / Welcome Reception
8–10 p.m.
Coffman Union Great Hall
–
PIRA Resource Room
Coffman Great Hall Annex
–TYC Resource Room
Coffman ground floor
SPS Undergraduate Research and Outreach Poster
Session and Reception
8–10 p.m. Coffman Union ground floor
