Impact of cross and main diffusion coefficients on symmetry breaking in nonreactive diffusion systems
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Diffusion-triggered convection can occur in a gravitationally stable system of two superimposed mixtures. As instability develops, two distinct patterns may emerge: double-diffusive (DD) or diffusion-layer convection (DLC). Traditionally, nonsymmetric patterns above and below the interface were thought to require chemical reaction. We show that symmetry can be broken by composition-dependent diffusion, with or without cross diffusion. Furthermore, only the composition-dependent cross diffusion can lead to a range of coexisting patterns and provide new insights into staircase instability.
Source: Physical review. E
DOI: 10.1103/yr2z-b9px
Authors: Berin Šeta, Jon Spangenberg, Mounir M. Bou-Ali, Valentina Shevtsova
Institutions: Technical University of Denmark, Mondragon Unibertsitatea
Language: English
Subfield: Computer Networks and Communications
Field: Computer Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W4412976929