Physics of Splashbacks
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Urinating may sometimes involve the dreaded splash back. This is not a gender specific problem, as both men and women struggle with this issue in their own way. People often dismiss the seriousness of the splash back problem when they first hear about it, but they promptly change their tune when confronted with the same conundrum. People are not the only victims of splash backs though, as many parents can testify to the damage their floors endured when they were potty training their children. Urine is not the hardest liquid to clean, but missed spots can cause discoloration and tile stains because of its acidity. What really happens when a splash back occurs?
It is all in the Angle Researchers at the Brigham Young University recreated the act of urinating using laboratory apparatus, and capturing the reaction using a high-speed camera. Scientists found that before the urine hits its target, the stream breaks into droplets, which flatten out upon impact. Small portions of these droplets break off, and are propelled backwards. The results showed that the speed and size of the stream are inconsequential, what really matters is the angle. Curves and Inventions Engineers have employed and applied multiple measures to try and curb splash back as much as possible, with several standalone inventions thrown in for good measure. One of the most widely pragmatic solutions loo designers have come up with is manipulating the curvature of porcelain toilets and urinals. The curves direct splash back to the sides toilet or urinal.
The only drawback to this solution is that people who want to relieve themselves need to hit a target area, where the curves are located. This is not always easy. Some establishments help their patrons in this regard by placing stickers on the target areas where they can aim. There are patents pending regarding inventions that re-direct the splash outward towards the sides of the toilet, instead upward when urine hits the toilet water’s surface. The process is similar to changing the porcelain’s curves, wherein people relieve themselves in a target area, which disperses the splash in directions where they cannot do any harm.
SOURCES: http://www.livescience.com/41107-physics-of-peeing-and-splash-back.html http://www.bathroomsandmorestore.co.uk/ http://www.urinalfly.com/