In an effort to help lower the cost of pumping fluids through pipelines, U.S. and German scientists have discovered an unlikely solution: adding more turbulence.

By injecting puffs of water into a water pipe, the team completely eliminated turbulence in the pipe.

Intermittent turbulence is shown receding in a simulation of water flowing through pipes as additional turbulence is added.
(Credit: Marc Avila, MPI – DS)

The research could have huge implications in a wide variety of fields. The most immediate beneficiaries could be water utilities and oil companies, but aerospace and ship engineers could use the method to make vessels more fuel efficient. Cardiologists could even tap the findings to keep arteries clear and save lives.

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