Why is beer harder to overflow than coffee?

Beer is considered one of the greatest inventions of mankind. But besides its excellent taste, recent scientific researchers have found something quite interesting: the anti-spill mechanism that beer can create.

Picture 1 of Why is beer harder to overflow than coffee?

Scientists from Princeton University in the US conducted some experiments and found that liquids that have a thin layer of foam on the surface like foamed coffee or beer will be less sensitive. with "sloshing" compared to regular coffee. "Sloshing" is an English name indicating the phenomenon when a liquid container is in a state where it will always create movement and create liquid waves inside. In other words, when the container moves, it will also provide energy for the liquid inside to move.

Picture 2 of Why is beer harder to overflow than coffee?

In particular, if the moving container oscillates with a frequency close to the natural frequency of the internal liquid, the liquid will move violently and bump into the wall and top of the container.This "sloshing" phenomenon is very common in oil tankers on the sea.

To prove their hypothesis, these scientists have done some specific experiments. They mixed glycerol and surfactants to create a reliable and measurable foam.

The scientists then shook the cups containing different types of liquid with the foam that was created above until the liquid in the glass was out. After the experiment, they realized that with 3mm of foam on the surface of the liquid will help the liquid inside the glass significantly reduce movement and avoid being compared.

Picture 3 of Why is beer harder to overflow than coffee?

This study by scientists at Princeton University has brought great benefits in the shipping industry. In particular, the problem of designing high-pressure fluid storage and transporting tanks with large cargo ships in the sea, which is causing headaches for researchers will be somewhat resolved.

Below is the research video of scientists at Princeton University:

Reference: Gizmodo