It took over 40 years, but scientists finally think they have solved the mystery of bouncing liquids. Using high speed video, Dutch researchers were able to recognize the phenomenon in myriad liquids, including shampoo, tomato ketchup, liquid soap, and paint. The catch is that the deflected stream usually begins and then recombines with the pool within a period of 300 milliseconds, making it unnoticeable to the naked eye.
The study shows that although most 'bouncing' requires elastic material properties and a rigid backing surface, the Kaye effect can be interpreted with a 'simple theoretical model including only the shear thinning behavior of the liquid.' The stream involved is is also shown to be stable and direct-able. From the article, 'The researchers haven't yet identified any applications of the effect, but they are intrigued by the way that a laser beam shone into the descending stream will stay inside it throughout the bounces, as though captured by a liquid optical fiber.'
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