Turki Aljadani, Team Third 2024. Food dye in milk was gently stirred to create two vortices.

The image captures two vortices on the brink of collision, drawing each other’s energy. Both vortices are equal in size, made with equal forces and in the same CCW direction.

An upside-down image of fluorescent detergent at the air-water interface.

Highlighter dye falling through tonic water exhibits the Rayleigh-Taylor instability, complete with umbrella formations.

WD-40 injected into soapy water forms a cloud that sinks to the bottom.

Heavy food dye dropped gently into a water vortex and viewed from the side forms cylindrical sheets instead of falling to the bottom.

Heavy food dye dropped into a water vortex and viewed from the side falls and swirls.

A turbulent, stage fog vortex ring, illuminated with a sheet of laser light.

A turbulent, stage fog vortex ring, illuminated with a sheet of laser light

A thin film of motor oil on a puddle produces beautiful colors by interference effects.

Oil paint has flowed from brush to film, a meditation inspired by Stan Brakhage

Food dye driven by blasts of compressed air shows the direction of shear forces.