Hele-shaw cell detail	A Hele-Shaw cell can be used to explore a variety of phenomena that involve surface tension and viscosity simultaneously. Being two-dimensional the effects are easy to observe, Waves growing exponentially on an unstable interface, and tear drops falling slowly down the cell for example. Hele-shaw cells make beautiful patterns when liquids of different viscosity are injected in. The cell is made from two flat transparent plastic plates. One with a hole in the middle through which liquid can be injected into. To use the helle shaw cell you will need; viscous liquids [sugar and water mixed to the consistency of honey] Food colourings and water Two syringes Hot soapy water and cleaning cloths Download instructions here...
Hele-shaw cell detail - ohp projection
Hele-shaw cell detail
35mm glass slide case, ink , super glue	35mm Hele shaw cell experiment 35mm glass slide case, ink , super glue Super glue interfaces with less viscose ink fluid, freezing the result almost instantly. A drop of ink is placed inside a larger glue drop. The glass plates are pressed together hard for 10 seconds. Any irregularities within the droplets shape when compressed, result in a tiny stalk growing. This grows rapidly, because the growth speed of the stalk, is inversely proportional to the distance from the center of the droplet, to the edge of the glass plate. This process repeats itself over many scales, resulting in a tree like dendritic patterns. To add to the complexity the ink reacts with the glue hardening it on contact, which often results in flow perpendicular to the edge of the cell. http://www.flickr.com/photos/antonyhall/sets/72157603927042653/

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Hele-shaw cells

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