SCIENCE INVESTIGATORY PROJECT

1. “Application of Fluid Mechanics in the
Formulation of Liquid Timeglass”
Science Investigatory Project

2. Abstract
• In this study, the researchers aim to formulate a simple device that
will illustrate the properties of fluids and how it is applied in the
formulation of more high technology product, the Liquid Timeglass.
• The said experiment will only cover a small amount of budget since
its materials are mostly recycled; however, the result is beyond the
expectation because it could serve as an effective treatment for
someone who has sensory defects and a recreational material for
kids at home.

3. Key Words
• Liquid Timeglass
• Fluids
• Viscosity
• Denser
• Flow

4. Introduction
A fluid is a gas or liquid that, unlike a solid, flows to assume
the shape of the container in which it is placed. Some of the
important basic properties of fluids are density, viscosity,
temperature, pressure, specific volume, specific weight, and
specific gravity.
In this project, the researchers will determine the
properties of oil and water that are involve in the formulation of
desired output of liquid timeglass.

5. It can be used to track activities, such as motivating
children to brush their teeth for an extended period. It also has a
soothing effect for people who fidget or may feel hyperactive.
Moving colors are commonly used as one component of therapy
for people with sensory differences, and can also help with motor
skills & visual coordination.

6. Process
The following are the needed materials in
making the Liquid Timeglass:
• clear water bottles (2) – (it must be
identical)
• drinking straws (2)
• Drill
• Scissors
• duct tape
• vegetable oil - (enough to fill a bottle)

7. • water - (enough to fill a bottle)
• markers - (optional)
• food coloring - (optional)
• funnel - (optional)
• hot glue - (super glue)

8. Procedures
1. Remove the two caps from the plastic
bottles and use hot glue or super glue to
attach the top of the caps.
2. Once the glue is dry, add a strip of duct tape
around the conjoined caps to ensure a
liquid-tight seal.
3. Using your marker, mark two dots on one
side of the cap. You will be using the dots as
reference for drilling holes.

9. 4. Using the drill, make two holes through the caps.
5. Next, cut out two 2" long straws.
6. Fit one straw 1/3 down through one hole. Fit the
second straw on the other side, 1/3 down through the
second hole.
7. Take one bottle and fill it up with vegetable oil using
a funnel.
8. Fill the second bottle with water.
9. Quickly flip over the bottle of oil and screw the other
cap onto the bottle of water. Flip your Timeglass over
again so that the oil is on the bottom, and the water is
on top.

10. Conclusion
The formulation of liquid hourglass is associated with the
concepts of fluid mechanics. Below are the principles in Physics
used in the study:
• Density – the degree of compactness of a substance. It is the
mass per unit volume of a substance. The density of water is
1g/cm^3 and the density of oil is about 0.91g/cm^3. The
lighter density of oil is what is responsible for the oil floating
above the water in this experiment.

11. • Kinematic Viscosity – described as the state of being thick
and sticky in consistency due to internal fluid. Viscosity
allows a liquid substance to resist the tendency to flow.
Water has lesser viscosity than oil which allows it to flow
more freely than the oil used in timeglass.
• Displacement – the movement of one object or material
from one place to another. The liquids used in the timeglass
naturally displace each other. As the oil floats up it forces
the water down in the opposite direction.

12. • Fluid Dynamics – set of principles that describe the
flow of liquid, and is responsible for overall function
of the Liquid Timeglass.