Effect of initial disturbances on the Rayleigh-Taylor instability in a Hele-Shaw cell

The effect of the initial state on the development of the Rayleigh-Taylor instability in a Hele-Shaw cell is studied. The initial disturbances were initiated using two techniques, namely, by exciting the standing Faraday waves by means of a vibrator and by periodically distorting the interface between the fluids by means of thin connecting needles. The Rayleigh-Taylor instability was realized by inverting the cell. The process of wave development at the interface between the fluids was filmed with subsequent computer processing of the videofilm obtained. It was found that the initial state is the decisive factor in the development of the process up to large times.