Impact of cross and main diffusion coefficients on symmetry breaking in nonreactive diffusion systems.
basic_science · Level V
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- Record sourced from PubMed, PMID 41116427.
- Also identified by DOI 10.1103/yr2z-b9px.
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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.