Bifurcation analysis of coupling thermosolutal convection induced by a thermal and solutal source in a horizontal cavity

In this study, the bifurcation phenomenon and the existence of dual asymmetry solutions of double-diffusive convection driven by an internal thermal and solutal source in a horizontal cavity have been investigated systematically. The problem is solved by the SIMPLE algorithm with the QUICK scheme in a non-uniform staggered grid system. The Rayleigh numbers, 200 ≤ Ra ≤ 106, buoyancy ratios, −20 ≤ Nc ≤ 20, Soret numbers, 0 ≤ Sr ≤ 0.8, and Dufour numbers, 0 ≤ Df ≤ 0.8, are considered in this study. Different streamlines for the onset and evolution of static bifurcation are tracked. The paper aims to determine the critical Rayleigh numbers and buoyancy ratios for the onset of symmetry-breaking through bifurcation diagrams based on the vortex length. The results indicate that increasing buoyancy can destabilize the symmetric system. The strong couple diffusion effect delays the onset of bifurcation flow. A pair of asymmetric modes can be obtained under different initial conditions.