scientific article; zbMATH DE number 1122446

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Publication:4379552





In recent years there has been a substantial increase in research activity related to the dynamics of Rayleigh-Bénard convection and to the formation of spatial structures in convective flows. The objective of this book is to present the state-of-the-art of analytical, numerical and experimental results on the famous Rayleigh-Bénard convection problem. The book outlines the basic methods of investigating convection patterns and presents a detailed discussion of main types of two- and three-dimensional flows, pattern defects, and the scenarios of convection regime changes. In particular, the book treats a highly important and complicated problem of wavenumber selection in roll flows. Several important key notions are introduced in the book, such as the selection process, the realized and optimal (preferred) wavenumbers, and the selective and contra-selective factors. All these notions prove to be very useful despite the lack of their strict, formal definition. Some criteria are also proposed for determining the optimal wavenumbers and for studying the stability of roll flows. The author presents a careful examination of several particular flow configurations and evolution scenarios which leads to the determining of a well-defined wavenumber value known as the ``selection mechanism. Numerous experimental and environmental examples are proved, and a systematic recourse is made to direct analytical and numerical simulations used as a powerful tool for exploring the Rayleigh-Bénard convection. The book has been written from the point of view of simplicity and unity; its originality lies in the presentation of the physical picture of the Rayleigh-Bénard convection without going into a rather complicated mathematical description. The text contains an extensive list of references (313) on the subject. This book should be of interest to researchers in applied mathematics, physics, meteorology, astrophysics, to engineers and also to senior students. The author also recommends his book to specialists in hydrodynamic stability, synergetics, thermophysics, atmospheric and ocean physics, as well as to all those who are interested in the heat and mass transfer area. Contents: 1. Introduction; 2. Basic concepts; 3. Investigation tools; 4. Basic types of convective flow structures; 5. Convection regimes; 6. Selection of the wavenumbers of convection rolls; 7. Peculiarities of stratification and vessel structure of convection; 8. Conclusion; References; Subject index.




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