Different types of nonlinear convective oscillation in a multilayer system

The nonlinear development of oscillatory instability under the joint action of buoyant and thermocapillary effects in a multilayer system is investigated. The nonlinear two-dimensional convective regimes are studied by the finite-difference method. Rigid heat-insulated lateral walls are considered. Different types of nonlinear flow, symmetric and asymmetric oscillations, have been found. It is shown that the oscillatory motion takes place in an interval of the Grashof number values bounded both from below (by the mechanical equilibrium) and from above (by the steady state). Cavities with different lengths are considered.