Synchronized motion of the water surfaces around two fixed camphor disks

The synchronized motion of the water surfaces in contact with two fixed camphor disks was investigated. When the distance between the two camphor disks was greater than 8 mm, the shapes of the water surfaces at the bottoms of the disks oscillated independently. In contrast, synchronized oscillation was observed when the distance was shorter than 7 mm. Depending on the distance, the nature of the Marangoni convection and the difference in the shape of the meniscus changed. The convection was numerically simulated based on the Navier–Stokes equation. The mechanism of synchronization is discussed in relation to the rolling structure of the Marangoni convection.

Graphical abstractThe shapes of the water surfaces in contact with two fixed camphor disks exhibit synchronous motion, when the distance between the two disks is smaller than a critical value.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload high-quality image (51 K)Download as PowerPoint slideResearch highlights► The shapes of the water surfaces in contact with a camphor disk exhibit oscillation. ► The oscillations of the water surfaces around two disks can exhibit synchronization. ► The synchronization happens as the two camphor disks located close. ► Roll structures of the Marangoni convection play important roles in the synchronization.