Simulations of oscillatory binary fluid convection in large aspect ratio containers

Direct numerical simulations of chevrons, blinking states, and repeated transients in binary fluid mixtures with a negative separation ratio heated from below are described. The calculations are performed in two-dimensional containers using realistic boundary conditions and the parameter values used in the experiments of Kolodner [Phys. Rev. E 47, 1038 (1993)]. Particular attention is paid to the multiplicity of states, and their dependence on the applied Rayleigh number and the aspect ratio of the container. Quantitative agreement with the experiments is obtained, and a mechanism explaining the origin and properties of the repeated transients observed in the experiments is proposed.