Computational analysis of convective instabilities in a liquid layer subjected to an inclined gradient of temperature

A 3D numerical study of convective instabilities in a horizontal liquid layer (silicone oil with a Prandtl number Pr = 102) with an upper free surface is presented. The liquid layer is subjected to an inclined gradient of temperature. The influence of both gravity and thermocapillary forces on the formation of convective patterns is studied for different values of the liquid layer depth. Numerical results are found to be in good agreement with experimental data of other authors.