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Rotating convection in an anisotropic system.
1Engineering Science and Applied Mathematics, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, USA.
Summary
Anisotropy stabilizes complex patterns in rotating convection. Weakly anisotropic systems can control chaotic regimes, explaining experimental observations of spiral and target patterns.
Area of Science:
- Fluid dynamics
- Pattern formation
- Nonlinear dynamics
Background:
- Rotating convection can exhibit chaotic behavior (Küpppers-Lortz regime).
- Anisotropy can influence pattern stability in fluid systems.
- Recent experiments show spiral and target patterns in rotating convection.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate pattern stability in weakly anisotropic rotating convection.
- Explain the emergence of spiral and target patterns.
- Relate anisotropy to the stabilization of convection rolls.
Main Methods:
- Modified Swift-Hohenberg equation.
- Analytical calculations.
- Numerical simulations.
Main Results:
- Anisotropy stabilizes periodic rolls in the chaotic regime.
- Base flow anisotropy breaks system isotropy.
- Stabilizes spiral and target patterns in otherwise unstable regimes.
Conclusions:
- Weak anisotropy is key to stabilizing complex patterns in rotating convection.
- Explains experimental findings of spiral and target patterns.
- Anisotropy provides a mechanism to control chaotic fluid dynamics.