The Saffman-Taylor instability occurs when a less viscous fluid is inserted into a more viscous one within a confined geometry. This image is the result of inserting water mixed with food coloring into honey inside of a Hele-Shaw cell. The cell was created using two clear acrylic plates that were held together using clothespins. Honey was compressed between these two plates where red water in a syringe would then be forced into a drilled hole on the plate creating the effect.
Camera Settings:
Canon EOS Rebel T7
Aperture: f/5
Focal Length: 44 mm
Exposure Time: 1/100
A video is also provided below to see the process of producing the image:
Video Settings:
iPhone 13 Pro
Captured at 4k and 60 fps but reduced to 1080p for YouTube
Credits: Bradley Schumacher and Qisheng Lei for assisting with the experiment
3 Comments. Leave new
I like how crisp the edges look, the color is so saturated and it looks awesome.
Hello Michael,
I think this idea is so cool. Your team really excelled with this one! The way you have the bright white background contrasting the neon pink is super eye-catching.
Michael, I love the colors in this image. Using the iPad as a background was really creative and quite effective here. I love seeing the fractals (the fingers) that form from the Taylor-Saffman instability. Great work! The video was also a really effective addition; I was a little confused about your setup until I saw the video. Great work!