MILWAUKEE _ If you touch the surface of a pool of water, ripples emanate outward from the disturbance. The same thing happens when you hold up your hand in front of the screen of interactive equipment developed at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
The technology features a display that uses computational fluid dynamics software to accurately depict the interactions of users with the flow fields.
Ohio-based Science Kinetics has recently licensed the software on the technology from the UWM Research Foundation, which manages the university’s intellectual property.
The equipment’s creator, Tom Hansen, is an information processing consultant and doctoral candidate in UWM’s School of Freshwater Sciences. He developed the system, which debuted at the Milwaukee Maker Faire last year, as a tool to educate the public about complex fluid interactions.
“Computer models of flows are already commonly used in multiple fields like oceanography, engineering, biology and medicine,” Hansen says. “But these are very complex systems and users usually have to undergo extensive training and have intimate knowledge of the mathematics and physics to understand it.”
Hansen’s fluid dynamics exhibit makes user interaction dramatically easier. It consists of a projector, webcam and customized software, equipment teachers can easily use to teach about both fluid and air flow in various disciplines.
Science Kinetics, an interactive exhibit company, will offer Hansen’s technology for use in classrooms, museums and other public settings.
“We are pleased to add this exciting new technology to our offerings,” says Jeff Shapiro at Science Kinetics.
The UWM Research Foundation, a nonprofit corporation that supports UWM research, innovation and entrepreneurship, has been helping Hansen throughout the commercialization process.
About Science Kinetics
Science Kinetics, located in Reynoldsburg, Ohio, offers design and fabrication of quality interactive exhibits that are educational and appealing to a diverse range of visitors in science centers, children’s museums and other public spaces.
About UWM
Recognized as one of the nation’s 115 top research universities, UW-Milwaukee provides a world-class education to 26,000 students from 89 countries on a budget of $667 million. Its 14 schools and colleges include Wisconsin’s only schools of architecture, freshwater sciences and public health, and it is a leading educator of nurses and teachers. UW-Milwaukee partners with leading companies to conduct joint research, offer student internships and serve as an economic engine for southeastern Wisconsin. The Princeton Review named UW-Milwaukee a 2017 “Best Midwestern” university based on overall academic excellence and student reviews, as well as a top “Green College.”
About UWM Research Foundation
The UWM Research Foundation is a nonprofit corporation that supports research, innovation and entrepreneurship at UWM through a variety of programs, including patenting and licensing. www.uwmresearchfoundation.org