Abstract
Hexagonal patterns in Bénard-Marangoni (BM) convection are studied within the framework of amplitude equations. Near threshold they can be described with Ginzburg-Landau equations that include spatial quadratic terms. The planform selection problem between hexagons and rolls is investigated by explicitly calculating the coefficients of the Ginzburg-Landau equations in terms of the parameters of the fluid. The results are compared with previous studies and with recent experiments. In particular, steady hexagons that arise near onset can become unstable as a result of long-wave instabilities. Within weakly nonlinear theory, a two-dimensional phase equation for long-wave perturbations is derived. This equation allows us to find stability regions for hexagon patterns in BM convection.
- Received 24 August 2000
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevE.63.066307
©2001 American Physical Society