Oscillatory thermocapillary flows

Abstract

Experimental and theoretical research conducted to understand the physical mechanism of oscillatory thermocapillary convection is discussed. A physical model that plausibly describes the cause of thermocapillary flow oscillations and to yield the proper parameters for identifying their onset is considered. Strong convection indicated by a large Marangoni number, as well as free surface deformation, appear to be important factors for the onset of the convection.