For a better cup of coffee, look to physics

In the Arnold Mathijssen lab, researchers used a gooseneck kettle, coffee grinder, and a pour-over setup alongside precise measurements and high-speed analysis to study the fluid dynamics and mechanics of coffee brewing to uncover ways to maximize flavor with fewer grounds. The findings could help researchers understand fluid dynamics.

Researchers led by Arnold Mathijssen of the School of Arts & Sciences have applied fluid mechanics to brew the best cup of pour-over coffee using the fewest granules. The findings have potential application to other systems such as surface erosion, filtration, and even wastewater management. “You can start small, like with coffee,” Mathijssen says, “and end up uncovering mechanisms that matter at environmental or industrial scales.” Read full article here