Small Scale von Karman Vortices
May 11, 2013
Photographer: Attila Kovacs
Summary Author: Attila Kovacs; Jim Foster
The photo above shows von Karman vortices observed in a muddy puddle near Eger, Hungary. A pebble caused the saber-shaped perturbations in this approximately 12 by 16 in (30 by 40 cm) puddle -- the result of melting snow flowing through a tire track. The direction of flow here is from left to right. In a fluid, be it air or liquid, an object large enough to interfere with the movement of the fluid often leads to the formation of von Karman vortices on the leeside of the flow. Photo taken on March 24, 2013.
Photo details: Camera Model: Canon EOS 600D; Lens: EF-S18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II; Focal Length: 55mm; Aperture: f/9.5; Exposure Time: 0.0040 s (1/250); ISO equiv: 100; Software: Digital Photo Professional.