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Maximizing Fluffiness: Thermodynamics of Popcorn Expansion

Explore the fascinating realm of popcorn expansion through thermodynamics, analyzing flake size, waste percentage, and volume changes under varying pressures in different apparatus. Discover efficient strategies for achieving the fluffiest popcorn.

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Maximizing Fluffiness: Thermodynamics of Popcorn Expansion

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  1. Thermodynamics of Popcorn Michael Bachmann, Tony Ghaly, Kathlyn Herrick, Sean Rodney Ireland, Brian Lewis, Mohit Moondra, Neel Patel, Evan Rosenman, Juliet Savits Advisor: Paul Victor Quinn Sr. Assistant: Evan Kimberly

  2. History of Popcorn • New Mexico’s Bat Cave • Aztecs • The Great Depression • Movie Theaters

  3. Why Fluffier Popcorn? • The demand for corn is skyrocketing • Biofuel consumes about 1/4 of corn crop • Price has risen from ≈$2.40 to over $3.30 • Tortilla prices in Mexico have doubled • Efficient popcorn is paramount • 40% rise in popcorn prices from 2006 to 2007 S D

  4. Why Fluffier Popcorn? (cont’d) • 30% of popcorn is consumed outside the home • About 5 BILLION quarts at films, stadiums, etc. • Prepopped popcorn is also popular in the home • Economies of scale are possible • A 10-15% efficiency rise could mean big profit rise for 36 oz. popper • High market value of popcorn would offset the cost of vacuum • Few cents of corn pop a $5 dollar bucket

  5. Thermodynamics • Ideal Gas PV=nRT • Adiabatic Process P1V1γ= P2V2γ • .

  6. Goals • Increase size of popped kernels (π) • Increase volume per mass (σ) • Decrease number of unpopped kernels (ω)

  7. Microwave Apparatus

  8. Microwave ApparatusProcedure • 10 g. bag samples in microwave chamber • Vacuum pump reduces pressure • Pop for 2 minutes 15 seconds • Measure volume and calculate σ, π, ω

  9. Expansion Volume (σ) vs. Pressure

  10. Flake Size (π) vs. Pressure

  11. Waste Percentage (ω) vs. Pressure

  12. Variables Affecting Microwave • Age of popcorn kernels • Limitations of bags • Lifetime of microwave • Inconsistency with timing

  13. Movie Maker Apparatus

  14. Movie Maker ApparatusProcedure • 85 g. samples • Vacuum pump lowers pressure • Release vacuum after popping • Measure volume and calculate σ, π, ω

  15. Expansion Volume (σ) vs. Pressure

  16. Flake Size (π) vs. Pressure

  17. The Popcorn Pot

  18. Popcorn Pot Procedure • Pre-heat 20 minutes • 20 g. samples • Vacuum pump lowers pressure • Periodically shake pot • Release vacuum and turn off heat • Measure volume and calculate σ, π, ω

  19. Expansion Volume (σ) vs. Pressure

  20. Flake Size (π) vs. Pressure

  21. Waste Percentage (ω) vs. Pressure

  22. Decreased pressure increased volume.

  23. Decreased pressure increased individual flake size.

  24. Decreased pressure decreased percent waste for microwave and popcorn pot.

  25. Conclusions • Decreased pressure resulted in increased volume • Microwave best demonstrated theory • Movie Maker is most practical application

  26. ANY QUESTIONS?

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