Nonlinear dynamics of a convection loop: A quantitative comparison of experiment with theory (Q1073672)

The flow in a loop of fluid, heated at constant flux over the bottom half and cooled at constant temperature over the top half, is shown to be qualitatively and quantitatively described by the nonlinear dynamics of the Lorenz model over a wide range of parameters encompassing three different chaotic flow regimes. The boundaries of the five flow regimes are determined experimentally and compared with a scaling relationship which relates the physical parameters of the loop and working fluid to the parameters of the Lorenz model. The characteristics of the three chaotic flow regimes are also discussed.