Flat Physics in the Laboratory: Observations of 2-Dimensional Vortex Interactions in a Flowing 2-D Soap Film

The behavior of vortices and turbulent flow in a 2-D film is a subject of much theoretical and practical study. We present new results from our innovative, reconfigurable laboratory apparatus capable of generating highly stable and resilient soap films many hours in duration. We will demonstrate images of vortex-vortex interactions in 2-D films along with their interactions with obstructions placed in the film using high resolution, high frame rate images and video recorded simultaneously at both visual and 546.1nm wavelengths. We also detail our efforts to create detailed physical computational models of these effects based on analysis of slow motion imagery now possible due to advances in affordable slow motion imaging devices.