Numerical study of pattern formation following a convective instability in non-Boussinesq fluids

We present a numerical study of a model of pattern formation following a convective instability in a non-Boussinesq fluid. It is shown that many of the features observed in convection experiments conducted on CO2 gas can be reproduced by using a generalized two-dimensional Swift-Hohenberg equation. The formation of hexagonal patterns, rolls, and spirals is studied, as well as the transitions and competition among them. We also study nucleation and growth of hexagonal patterns and find that the front velocity in this two-dimensional model is consistent with the prediction of marginal stability theory for one-dimensional fronts.