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Dynamics of two-dimensional traveling-wave convection patterns

Journal Article · · Physical Review. E, Statistical Physics, Plasmas, Fluids, and Related Interdisciplinary Topics
;  [1]
  1. Department of Physics, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093 (United States)

We report an experimental study of traveling-wave convection patterns in a binary mixture of ethanol and water. We survey the patterns observed in a large aspect ratio cylindrical container over a broad range of Rayleigh numbers. It is found that disordered patterns observed immediately after traveling-wave convection is initiated evolve toward organized multidomain patterns and that the nature of the multidomain patterns depends on the Rayleigh number. A numerical algorithm for extracting the complex order parameter from traveling-wave patterns and measuring their dynamical properties is described. This technique is used to characterize the dynamic aspects of traveling-wave convection patterns observed near the saddle node bifurcation. It is shown that the instantaneous rate of deformation of the pattern can be determined, and use of this information as a point of comparison with model equations is discussed. The joint wave number, frequency distribution for traveling-wave patterns is calculated and is shown to be significantly different from the dispersion curves previously obtained from one-dimensional traveling-wave convection patterns. {copyright} {ital 1996 The American Physical Society.}

DOE Contract Number:
FG03-90ER14148
OSTI ID:
284683
Journal Information:
Physical Review. E, Statistical Physics, Plasmas, Fluids, and Related Interdisciplinary Topics, Journal Name: Physical Review. E, Statistical Physics, Plasmas, Fluids, and Related Interdisciplinary Topics Journal Issue: 6 Vol. 53; ISSN PLEEE8; ISSN 1063-651X
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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