1
$\begingroup$

I was playing around with some thick ointment and I set a thin film of it (any semi fluid works fine too) between 2 layers of plastic (it works with thick papers as well). When I released the upper sheet slowly, a dendritic fractal pattern emerged.

enter image description here

I repeated it many times and got a similar pattern every time. Here's a diagramatic view of the pattern.

enter image description here

Why does this happen? I was thinking the path of air flow rushing out could influence the fluid, but I can't come up with the reason- why those dendritic fractals, and not just straight lines?

Improve this question
$\endgroup$
1
$\begingroup$

Separating the layers induces drag forces, organising the semifluid into a crystal at the molecular level. It is easiest for the process to continue where the crystal has already started to form, hence the process takes place along branches. One may compare the patterns to snowflakes (although in snowflakes the crystal forms from condensation under conditions which preserve symmetries).

Improve this answer
$\endgroup$
2
  • $\begingroup$ When you say "crystal at the molecular level", do you mean the bulk still remains a fluid? I was thinking along the lines of air flow, this crystal approach seems new to me. $\endgroup$ – Bipasha May 6 '20 at 0:37
  • $\begingroup$ Yes, it is my understanding that what makes a semifluid is that there is a very loose binding so that, in effect, the bulk remains liquid, but solid structures form within the liquid. $\endgroup$ – Charles Francis May 6 '20 at 6:39

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.