Wavelength selection in a buckling garden hose

TL;DR

This paper investigates sinusoidal undulations in garden hoses, proposing a model for their formation, connecting it to biological structures and self-buckling, and exploring applications in shape-changing materials.

Contribution

It introduces a novel model explaining hose undulations and links them to biological and self-buckling phenomena, with potential applications in shape-changing materials.

Findings

Model accurately predicts hose undulations

Connection established with biological structures

Potential applications in shape-changing materials

Abstract

We consider sinusoidal undulations which appear on certain garden hoses under normal use. We propose an explanation and provide a model for this phenomenon, and make a connection with biological structures as well as self-buckling. We compare observations with model predictions, and suggest potential applications in the area of shape-changing materials.