We investigate the bifurcation properties and pattern selection in Rayleigh-Bénard convecting binary mixtures for parameter combinations that are typical for colloidal fluids using the Galerkin method. In such fluids the typical Lewis numbers and separation ratios differ by orders of magnitude from the values found in molecular mixtures like alcohol/water. We study stationary rolls, square and crossroll patterns for positive separation ratios, and traveling waves for negative separation ratios.

more »

... Results are compared to those for molecular mixtures. We consider a horizontal layer of a binary fluid mixture of thickness d that is heated from below in a homogeneous gravitational field, g =−ge z . A vertical temperature gradient is imposed by fixing the temperature PHYSICAL REVIEW E 75, 036203 ͑2007͒