On Dynamics of Double-Diffusive Convection in a Rotating Couple-Stress Fluid Layer

Abstract

The current article focuses on the examination of nonlinear instability and dynamic transitions in a double-diffusive rotating couple-stress fluid layer. The analysis was based on the newly developed dynamic transition theory by T. Ma and S. Wang. Through a comprehensive linear spectrum analysis and investigation of the principle of exchange of stability (PES) as the thermal Rayleigh number crosses a threshold, the nonlinear orbital changes during the transition were rigorously elucidated utilizing reduction methods. For both single real and complex eigenvalue crossings, local pitch-fork and Hopf bifurcations were discovered, and directions of these bifurcations were identified along with transition types. Furthermore, nondimensional transition numbers that signify crucial factors during the transition were calculated and the orbital structures were illustrated. Numerical studies were performed to validate the theoretical results, revealing the relations between key parameters in the system and the types of transition. The findings indicated that the presence of couple stress and a slow diffusion rate of solvent and temperature led to smoother nonlinear transitions during convection.