On the Chaotic Dynamics Associated with the Center Manifold Equations of Double-Diffusive Convection Near a Codimension-Four Bifurcation Point at Moderate Thermal Rayleigh Number

Abstract

We analyze the dynamics of the Poincaré map associated with the center manifold equations of double-diffusive thermosolutal convection near a codimension-four bifurcation point when the values of the thermal and solute Rayleigh numbers, [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], are comparable. We find that the bifurcation sequence of the Poincaré map is analogous to that of the (continuous) Lorenz equations. Chaotic solutions are found, and the emergence of strange attractors is shown to occur via three different routes: (1) a discrete Lorenz-like attractor of the three-dimensional Poincaré map of the four-dimensional center manifold equations that forms as the result of a quasi-periodic homoclinic explosion; (2) chaos that follows quasi-periodic intermittency occurring near saddle-node bifurcations of tori; and, (3) chaos that emerges from the destruction of a 2-torus, preceded by frequency locking.