Structures in 3D double-diffusive convection and possible approach to the Saturn's polar hexagon modeling

TL;DR

This paper develops amplitude equations for 3D double-diffusive convection near Hopf bifurcation, uses numerical simulations to explore complex convection patterns, and suggests applications to planetary phenomena like Saturn's polar hexagon.

Contribution

It introduces a novel set of amplitude equations for 3D double-diffusive convection and demonstrates their numerical simulation, providing insights into irregular convection patterns and planetary modeling.

Findings

Convection forms elongated clouds, spots, or filaments.

Rapid development of diffusive chaos destroys initial symmetry.

Numerical methods successfully simulate complex convection patterns.

Abstract

Three-dimensional double-diffusive convection in a horizontally infinite layer of an uncompressible fluid interacting with horizontal vorticity field is considered in the neighborhood of Hopf bifurcation points. A family of amplitude equations for variations of convective cells amplitude is derived by multiple-scaled method. Shape of the cells is given as a superposition of a finite number of convective rolls with different wave vectors. For numerical simulation of the obtained systems of amplitude equations a few numerical schemes based on modern ETD (exponential time differencing) pseudo-spectral methods were developed. The software packages were written for simulation of roll-type convection and convection with square and hexagonal type cells. Numerical simulation has showed that the convection takes the form of elongated "clouds", "spots" or "filaments". It was noted that in the system quite rapidly a state of diffusive chaos is developed, where the initial symmetric state is destroyed and the convection becomes irregular both in space and time. The obtained results may be the basis for the construction of more advanced models of multi-component convection, for instance, model of Saturn's polar hexagon.