Three-dimensional spatially localized binary-fluid convection in a porous medium

Abstract

AbstractThree-dimensional convection in a binary mixture in a porous medium heated from below is studied. For negative separation ratios steady spatially localized convection patterns are expected. Such patterns, spatially localized in two dimensions, are computed and numerical continuation is used to examine their growth and proliferation as parameters are varied. The patterns studied have the form of a core region with four extended side-branches and can be stable. A physical mechanism behind the formation of these unusual structures is suggested.