PHYSICS VASE N°4 — Von Kármán Vortex Street

Limited Edition Research Series (4/50)

Published by 3D Print Official

Inspired by:

Theodore von Kármán

—and vortex shedding in fluid dynamics

Abstract

Physics Vase N°4 explores the formation of alternating vortices in fluid flow, translating the phenomenon of vortex shedding into additive manufactured form.

When a fluid passes a cylindrical body, instabilities in the flow give rise to a repeating pattern of counter-rotating vortices known as a von Kármán vortex street.

The governing behavior is described by the incompressible Navier–Stokes equations:

where fluid velocity, pressure, and viscosity interact to produce periodic instabilities in the wake of an object.

The frequency of vortex shedding is characterized by the Strouhal number:

linking oscillation frequency to flow velocity and characteristic length.

The resulting geometry captures a structured instability — a repeating, alternating flow pattern translated into a continuous surface.

Physical Attributes Encoded

• Vortex shedding instability

• Alternating rotational flow structures

• Periodic wake formation

• Flow-induced oscillation

• Transition from laminar to unstable flow

Von Kármán vortex streets appear in natural and engineered systems, from airflow around structures to ocean currents and atmospheric patterns.

They represent one of the most recognizable manifestations of instability emerging from otherwise continuous flow.

Research Continuation

This piece represents the fourth study within a 50-object exploration of physics-derived computational forms.

The theoretical foundation of Physics Vase N°5 will be derived from proposals submitted in the discussion.

Community engagement and scholarly participation inform the direction of subsequent editions.

Vote for the theory you’d like to see brought to life! Share your choice in the comments, and let’s unveil Vase 5 together!

Support for this project through comments, shares, and follows enables the continued development of the 50-piece Physics Vase Series.

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Published by 3D Print Official