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Updated: Aug 7, 2026
06:42
Magnetically Induced Rotating Rayleigh-Taylor Instability
Published on: March 3, 2017
Pattern formation in rayleigh-Benard convection in a cylindrical container
Summary
Numerical simulations reveal diverse patterns in Rayleigh-Benard convection. We observed stable rolls, defects, targets, and spirals, mirroring experimental findings in cylindrical systems.
Area of Science:
- Fluid dynamics
- Pattern formation
- Convective phenomena
Background:
- Rayleigh-Benard convection is a fundamental fluid dynamics problem.
- Pattern formation in convective systems is complex and depends on various parameters.
- Cylindrical geometry introduces unique boundary effects compared to traditional planar systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To numerically investigate pattern formation in Rayleigh-Benard convection.
- To explore behavior in cylindrical geometry with low Prandtl numbers and moderate aspect ratios.
- To characterize the types and dynamics of patterns and defects.
Main Methods:
- Numerical simulations were employed.
- The study focused on the regime of low Prandtl numbers.
- Moderate aspect ratios in cylindrical geometry were considered.
Main Results:
- Stable patterns including straight and bent rolls were identified.
- Defect generation and dynamics (climbing, gliding) were studied.
- Stable targets, spirals, and core instabilities were observed, consistent with experimental results.
Conclusions:
- The numerical investigation successfully reproduced a variety of experimentally observed patterns in Rayleigh-Benard convection.
- The study highlights the rich dynamics and pattern complexity achievable in cylindrical geometries.
- Findings contribute to understanding pattern selection and defect behavior in fluid systems.
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