[Stoves] What do the AIs ChatGPT3.5 and Perplexity know about the upward and downward flow of air?

[Julien Winter]

Hi folks;

Just for sport, I thought I would ask ChatGPD 3.5 and Perplexity a question
about air flow:

QUESTION: "How do the turbulent vs. laminar characteristics differ between
downward flowing and upward flowing air?"

Both AIs didn't give a good answer on the first try and required a
follow-up clarification. Perplexity though I was asking for definitions of
turbulent and laminar flow, and ChatGPT thought that downward-flowing air
would bump into more obstacles.

So, having sorted them out, this is what they said.

ChatGPT ========================

Certainly! When comparing the turbulent and laminar characteristics of
downward flowing and upward flowing air without any obstacles obstructing
the flow, the differences lie primarily in the effects of buoyancy and
stability. Here's a revised comparison:

Downward Flowing Air:


   - Turbulence: Even without obstacles, downward flowing air can still
   exhibit turbulence, especially if it encounters changes in temperature,
   pressure, or wind shear. As the air descends, it may encounter different
   atmospheric layers with varying properties, leading to turbulence.
   - Laminar Flow: In ideal conditions with minimal atmospheric
   disturbances, downward flowing air can exhibit more laminar flow compared
   to upward flowing air. However, the presence of any instabilities or
   variations in the atmospheric properties can disrupt laminar flow.


Upward Flowing Air:


   - Turbulence: Upward flowing air tends to be less turbulent compared to
   downward flowing air, especially in the absence of obstacles. The buoyancy
   force driving the air upward can result in a smoother, more coherent flow
   pattern. However, localized turbulence can still develop due to convective
   processes or changes in atmospheric conditions.
   - Laminar Flow: Upward flowing air has a greater tendency to maintain
   laminar flow in the absence of obstacles and under stable atmospheric
   conditions. Buoyancy-driven flow, such as in thermals or updrafts, can
   promote more organized, laminar flow patterns.


In summary, in the absence of obstacles, downward flowing air can still
exhibit turbulence due to the potential for encountering atmospheric
disturbances, while upward flowing air tends to be smoother and more
conducive to laminar flow, driven by buoyancy effects. However, both
directions of flow can experience variations depending on the stability and
properties of the surrounding atmosphere.


Perplexity =====================================

When comparing upward and downward flows of air in terms of turbulent and
laminar characteristics, the differences lie in the behavior of the airflow:

Upward Flow:


   - Turbulent Characteristics: Upward turbulent airflow involves irregular
   and chaotic movement with unpredictable fluctuations, mixing of fluid
   particles, swirling vortices, rapid changes in velocity, and pressure
   fluctuations.
   - Application: Commonly observed in scenarios like smoke coming out of
   exhaust pipes or turbulence in aircraft, upward turbulent flow is
   influenced by irregularities or obstructions in the airflow path.


Downward Flow:


   - Laminar Characteristics: Downward laminar airflow is characterized by
   smooth and streamlined movement where fluid layers move parallel to each
   other without mixing or disruption.
   - Observation: In downward laminar flow, the fluid flows in a straight
   line with low flow rate and constant properties like velocity and pressure.


In essence, upward flowing air tends to exhibit turbulent characteristics
with chaotic movement and mixing of particles, while downward flowing air
typically displays laminar behavior with smooth and orderly movement of
fluid layers. These distinctions are crucial for various applications where
understanding airflow dynamics is essential for system design and
efficiency.

==================================

With some iterative, leading or loaded questions, it might be possible to
push the AIs into the answer you want.  But that is a human training the
AI, not the AI training the human.

Niether AI seems to have read the book Norbert suggested: Groume-Grjikailo
in his 1923 book "The Flow of Gases in Furnaces"  on pages 88 - 91.
https://archive.org/details/TheFlowOfGasesInFurnaces/page/n107/mode/2up?view=theater


It is also interesting to see how it is good to use several AIs, because
they give different answers.

Have a whack at it and see what you get.

Cheers,
Julien.

-- 
Julien Winter
Cobourg, ON, CANADA
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