You can build a larger Hele-Shaw cell out of a sheet of acrylic plastic, such as Plexiglas® or Lucite®. The dimensions do not have to be exact. The plastic in the cell pictured here is about 3 mm (1/8 in) thick. It should not be much thinner because it will bend too easily, but it may be a bit thicker.
| Create your own Hele-Shaw Cell with these simple materials |
For this larger cell, you will need:
- sheet of acrylic plastic, measuring at least 30 cm by 60 cm (12 in by 24 in) and at least 3 mm (1/8 in) thick
- 4 binder clips about 5 cm (2 in) wide, or similar clamps, that can open a distance of about 2 cm (0.8 in)
- cardboard (for spacers to separate the two sides of the cell)
- marker
- ruler
- masking tape
- heavy-duty scissors, box cutters, or knife (for cutting cardboard)
- small plastic funnel [a handmade paper funnel will also work]
Here's what to do:
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1. With the marker and ruler, draw the patterns for the two sides and the bottom on the acrylic sheet. We suggest dimensions of 30 cm (12 in) wide and 25 cm (10 in) high for the sides, and 30 cm (12 in) long by 5 cm (2 in) wide for the bottom. Make the “toes” of the sides no more than about 2 cm (3/4 in) high. The strip of paper in the photograph is part of a protective layer on the acrylic sheet. It can be peeled off later.
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Patterns for the sides (left) and bottom (right)
 
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2. Ask an adult with experience to cut the patterns out of the acrylic sheet for you. Cutting acrylic sheet is difficult, and it can be dangerous. It is best to ask someone who knows what to do and who can do it safely. The person will probably use a motorized saw of some kind to cut through the plastic and any protective layers.
Peel away any protective layers, if they are present.
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3. To make spacers for the cell, carefully cut out cardboard strips about 2.5 cm (about 1 in) wide and about 25 cm (10 in) long. You will need enough spacers to make two stacks, each no more than about 2 cm (3/4 in) high. Please pay attention to safety.
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4. Place one side of the cell flat on a tabletop. Position a stack of spacers on the left and the right edges, and place the second side of the cell on top. Clamp this “sandwich” with a binder clip on each edge. The acrylic plates should be about 2 cm (3/4 in) apart.
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5. Place the “sandwich” upright and centered on the bottom acrylic piece. Clamp the bottom to the “sandwich” with binder clips over the “toes” on each side.
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6. With the masking tape, secure the small funnel at the top so that the mouth of the funnel will send material into the space between the sides. While you are at it, use the tape to make a seal where the sides meet the base.
Now you are ready to use your Hele-Shaw cell for some investigations.
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