Convection in Superposed Fluid Layers

Abstract

Buoyancy-driven convection in differentially heated fluid layers overlaid on each other is the subject of interest in this chapter. The problem is characterized by the formation of a fluid–fluid interface. The nature of coupling between the two fluid layers is determined by the interface. Experiments conducted over a limited range of parameters with an air–silicone oil system are discussed in the sections below. For the range of parameters studied, surface tension was found to be of secondary importance.