Convection Cells or Rayleigh-Bernard Cell



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 Code Number :   4B20.50 / 8B10.31

Disclaimer:

Reprinted by permission of Dick Berg, University of Maryland, for use on this website.

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Condition :   Good  
Principle :   Solar Convection Cells.
Area of Study :  Heat and Fluids, Astronomy.  See 4B20.50 in the Heat and Fluids section.    
Equipment :   Hot plate, frying pan, silicon oil with powdered aluminum, funnel.

Procedure :   Place the frying pan on the hot plate.  Turn the hot plate to between 350 and 400 on the temperature dial.  Add the full pint of oil/aluminum powder mixture.  CAUTION:  The oil does not have to be very hot to give good convection cells.  If the temperature is too high the oil may ignite.

Once the cells have formed they will appear very stable.  You can use a spoon to disturb the cell structure and watch its reformation. 

This demo will show mostly 5 fold symmetry.

 

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   References
 

Cover Picture, TPT, Vol. 35, # 7, Oct. 1997.

Stephen J. Van Hook, Michael F. Schatz, "Simple Demonstrations of Pattern Formation", TPT, Vol. 35, # 7, Oct. 1997, p. 391.

 



Mail Questions and Comments to:  Dale Stille