Environmental Fluid Dynamics Education Laboratory
Funded by the University of Hawaii at Manoa Chancellor's Education Improvement Fund
Equipotential surface in a rotating flow
Sand ripples under a standing wave
The dynamics of moving fluids forms the physical basis of the natural environment through the ocean and atmosphere, in turn affecting biological, chemical and geological systems. Fluid motion is also fundamental to engineering problems ranging from aerodynamics to biomedical research. The concepts of fluid dynamics are not learned from textbooks and equations alone, however. These ideas require hands-on experience and observation that complements classroom learning. The goal of the Environmental Fluid Dynamics Education Laboratory (EFDEL) is to serve as a center for teaching of fluids phenomena in support of courses within SOEST and for the general UHM community.
The EFDEL offers support for laboratory demonstration of environmental and geophysical fluid dynamics phenomena. We have carried out lab experiments in support of ORE 664 (Nearshore Processes and Sediment Transport) and have conducted demonstrations for ORE 603 (Oceanography for Ocean Engineers), ORE 641 (Environmental Fluid Dynamics) and OCN 620 (Physical Oceanography) as well as for visiting high school students from the Sea Grant Ocean Learning Academy and for the SOEST 2002 Open House (see photos below).
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Yvonne Firing demonstrates salt fingers at the SOEST Open House
ORE 641 student, Marion Bandet (left) describes estuarine circulation and hydraulic exchange
Geology professor, Janet Becker (left), demonstrates rotational flow phenomenon
ORE 641 student, Long Chen, illustrates the effects of tides on internal hydraulics and mixing.
Ocean Engineering student, Jinghai Yang exhibits the surfing dinosaur in the ORE wave channel, during the SOEST 2002 Open House.
For more info contact Geno Pawlak