Loss of stability in the magnetic Bénard problem (Q1581096)

The loss of stability of the trivial equilibrium of a system expressing the extension of the Bénard equations on the infinite plate is studied. This is studied exclusively in dependence of two specific parameters after casting the system of equations into a specific functional frame. An investigation of the loss of stability under perturbations which are square integrable over the whole plate is performed. First of all it is shown that the presence of a magnetic field has a retarding effect on the onset of instability. Stability results are mainly obtained via a method of generalized energy functionals, and the question whether the imposed magnetic field delays the loss of stability is investigated. The second result concerns the existence of parameter values at which loss of stability occurs. Furthermore, it is proven that periodic instability entails \(L^2(\Omega)\)-instability. A result concerning the relationship between the energy stability of the Bénard problem and that of the magnetic Bénard problem is then added. Initially, it is shown that the linearized instability implies Ljapunov instability under perturbations which are square integrable over the whole plate. These difficulties are overcome to some extent by use of formulas provided by the so-called \(\theta\)- or periodic spectra. It is then proven that loss of stability is delayed by the presence of a magnetic field. The presence of a constant magnetic field delays the onset of instability, when the given magnetic field is perpendicular to the plate. It would be of interest to investigate the case of a constant magnetic field in arbitrary position with respect to the plate and the existence of a critical value at which loss of stability occurs. Through the entire paper there are constructive comparisons between the magnetic Bénard problem and the ordinary Bénard problem. An investigation of the dependence of the critical value on the magnetic parameter states that onset of instability with respect to \(L\)-periodic perturbations cannot occur earlier than onset of instability with respect to \(L^2(\Omega)\)-perturbations. While \(\lambda<\lambda'\) implies marginal stability, Lyapunov stability remains to be proved. We can assert nevertheless energy stability. Yet unproven is the stronger conjecture: if \(\lambda<\lambda^*\) then we have energy stability. The paper concludes with a presentation of yet more open problems.