How long does it take to get last liquid drops from kitchen containers? These physicists know the answer
Summary
Brown University physicists used the Navier-Stokes equations to model how long thin liquid films take to drain from tilted kitchen surfaces, showing drainage times vary with liquid viscosity (milk ~30 seconds for 90% drain at 45 degrees; olive oil significantly longer; water much faster; maple syrup much slower). They also applied similar reasoning to a wok-washing problem, estimating about 15 minutes for residual water to pool before draining to minimize rust. The work combines theory and experiments to illustrate everyday fluid dynamics with implications for laboratory and culinary contexts.