Some properties of an eight-mode Lorenz model for convection in binary fluids.

Abstract

We examine a number of static and dynamic properties of an eight-mode model for convection in binary mixtures proposed recently by Cross. We find that the model allows richer dynamics than is observed in experiments. We also find differences between the bifurcations and fixed points of the eight-mode model and the five-mode model proposed earlier by Veronis [J. Max. Res. 23, 1 (1965)]. The effect of nonlinearities on the transient dynamics is similar to recent experimental observations. The bifurcations, fixed points, and dynamics are influenced significantly by the addition of an inhomogeneous ``field'' term to the model.