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Modern Mysteries

Why do stout bubbles go down ?

By T.K. Randall
May 30, 2012 · Comment icon 10 comments

Image Credit: sxc.hu
Why do the bubbles in stout beers such as Guinness sink instead of rising to the surface ?
It is well known that the bubbles in a glass of stout rise in the center and sink at the sides, however it has always remained a mystery why this should be so. A new study however appears to hold the answer, and the key it seems is nothing more than the shape of the glass.

"Because of the sloping wall of the pint, the bubbles are moving away from the wall, which means you're getting a much denser region next to the wall," said Dr. William Lee. "That is going to sink under its own gravity, because it's less buoyant, and that sinking fluid will pull the bubbles down. You'll see sinking bubbles not because the bubbles themselves are sinking, but because the fluid is and it's pulling them down with it."
Irish mathematicians may have solved the mystery of why bubbles in stout beers such as Guinness sink: it may simply be down to the glass.


Source: BBC News | Comments (10)




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Recent comments on this story
Comment icon #1 Posted by Taun 12 years ago
Hmmm... So these researchers got grant money and studied.... beer... How do I get a job like that?
Comment icon #2 Posted by Waspie_Dwarf 12 years ago
How do I get a job like that? Graduate in fluid dynamics.
Comment icon #3 Posted by Taun 12 years ago
Graduate in fluid dynamics. I spent numerous years in the military... I studied some pretty dynamic fluids - in some pretty dynamic bars all around the world... Does that count?
Comment icon #4 Posted by OverSword 12 years ago
Finally, some science I can really appreciate. I think I'll do an independant study after work today.
Comment icon #5 Posted by jgorman628 12 years ago
Makes much more sense than my theory that Guinness was so great it defied all physical laws.
Comment icon #6 Posted by wereturnip 12 years ago
"May be due to the glass." Why didn't they try another type of glass to see if that was true? Ohhhhh...new round of studies are needed..more grant money...more free Guinness. Brilliant.
Comment icon #7 Posted by Englishgent 12 years ago
Guinness is awful stuff. I think the bubbles sink cos they are dying!
Comment icon #8 Posted by Erudite Celt 12 years ago
Ahhhh....Guinness,nectar of the Gods.
Comment icon #9 Posted by Melo - 12 years ago
Because the bubbles are ashamed to be associated with such a girly-man type of drink.... Jk....but mickeys all day
Comment icon #10 Posted by Erudite Celt 12 years ago
Because the bubbles are ashamed to be associated with such a girly-man type of drink.... Jk....but mickeys all day Guinness, girly-man!!! The only thing girly around here is your Avatar


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