Oscillatory motion in Bénard cell due to the Soret effect

Abstract

The period of oscillations for the Bénard problem in a two-component system taking into account thermal diffusion is given. Schmidt-Milverton plots are presented for water-methanol and water-isopropanol systems. Anomalous heating curves are observed. Thermocouple responses are given for some heating powers and show oscillations in the temperature field. A qualitative agreement exists with the predicted values of the period given by the theory.