Swimming in syrup

[WFEGb]

Hi,

just read the back side of my daily calendar. There's referenced an experiment in 2003 by Ed Cussler, University of Minnesota:

He filled a pool with 650 000l syrup and 16 volunteers had to swim in, compared with their normal swimming in water. Times showed that there was nearly no (significant) difference.

Well, think TI shows us how our under water strokes let water become syrup while our body moves in ordinary water. That will be a big difference. :-)

Best regards,
Werner

PS: That problem has been discussed by Newton and Huygens (they didn't like each other), but they had no way verify...

[Rhoda]

Sounds like that weird recurring dream that I have sometimes.

[BP]

Just read WFEGb's post.

Swimming through syrup is a useful metaphor for me. I often try and focus on the 'viscosity' of the water with the aim of trying to improve my body's connections with the medium I'm moving through. (Before syrup, I used to think of trying to swim through a set jelly...there's a food theme developing here).

I must admit, harnessing that feeling of 'solidness' can be a bit of a will-o-the-wisp, but if i give it my 100% attention I can attain it...sometimes.

[WFEGb]

Hello BP,

...Before syrup, I used to think of trying to swim through a set jelly...

Don't know how the effect would be, if some pieces of fruit in :-)

Regards,
Werner

[BP]

Ha ha! I think I imagined 'set jelly' because it's particularly viscous, and thus get a good connection with the water.

You're right though, pieces of fruit might be a distraction...although bananas might make one more 'slippery'...get it! (sorry, terrible joke).

[Richardsk]

We also have to remember that English jelly is American jello and American jelly is usually English jam.

There must be a level of viscosity at which swimming becomes impossible. Has anyone tried swimming in molasses?

[Talvi]

Originally Posted by Richardsk

Has anyone tried swimming in molasses?

Now there's a question needing careful attention!