Three-dimensional oscillatory thermocapillary convection in liquid bridge under microgravity

Three-dimensional oscillatory thermocapillary convection in silicone oil li quid bridge is studied numerically by means of finite volume method (FVM). The results reveal the existence of two different oscillatory modes: pulsat ing and rotating oscillations. Close to the onset of oscillation, the pulsa ting oscillatory convection is observed. With the increment of Marangoni nu mber Afa. the pulsating oscillatory convection is replaced by rotating osci llatory convection, where the temperature and velocity fields demonstrate t he characteristics of rotation. An approximately linear relationship betwee n Ma and dimensionless main frequency f* = fH(2)kappa (-1) is found for As = 4.0 in periodic oscillatory regime. This relationship becomes a little mo re complex for As = 1.0. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved .