A nonlinear differential approach to the Saffman-Taylor finger

Abstract

Nonlinear time-dependent differential equations for the Hele-Shaw, Saffman-Taylor problem are derived. The equations are obtained using a separable ansatz expansion for the stream function of the displaced fluid obeying a Darcian flow. Suitable boundary conditions on the stream function, provide a potential term for the nonlinear equation. The limits for the finger widths derived from the potential and boundary conditions are $1>λ>\frac{1}{\sqrt{5}}$, in units of half the width of the Hele-Shaw cell, in accordance with observation. Stationary solutions with no free phenomenological parameters are found numerically. The dependence of asymptotic finger width on the physical parameters of the cell compares satisfactorily with experiment. The correct dispersion relation for the instabilities is obtained from the time dependent equation.