A laboratory model of thermal convection under a central force field

Abstract

A laboratory model of thermal convection under a central force field has been constructed using a strong, alternating electric field gradient in a dielectric liquid. Both the electric field gradient and a temperature gradient are maintained between concentric vertical cylinders. The onset of thermal convection is detected by heat transfer and temperature measurements. It is governed by an electrical Rayleigh number, in which the electric force replaces gravity. Marginal stability analysis gives a critical electrical Rayleigh number in agreement with the experimentally determined value.