Abstract
When a vertical jet of liquid from a nozzle hits a flat surface, as in tap water striking the kitchen sink, a discontinuity appears in a ring created by the flow. At this deformation the depth of the water alters abruptly (the ‘circular hydraulic jump’1,2,3,4,5) at some distance from the jet. We have now discovered that if the jet contains a liquid more viscous than water, stationary polygonal patterns form, breaking axial symmetry. The sharp corners of the polygons carry a large radial flux, while the sides generate resistance to the stream.
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References
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Ellegaard, C., Hansen, A., Haaning, A. et al. Creating corners in kitchen sinks. Nature 392, 767–768 (1998). https://doi.org/10.1038/33820
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/33820
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