Transition to chaos in thermocapillary convection

We present experiments on transition to chaos in thermocapillary convection in a rectangular pool of silicone oil. The applied temperature difference between the two sidewalls is adjusted in the range of 0–43 °C to observe various dynamic states. The applied temperature gradient along the fluid–gas interface drives shear flow along the free surface from hot to cold and a back flow in the underlying layer. With the increase of the temperature gradient, the thermocapillary convection will transit from steady flow to regularly oscillatory flow, and finally to chaos. A temperature measurement system, which consists of thermocouple, voltmeter and data-acquiring computer, is used to record the temperature of the liquid dynamically. In order to identify the different dynamic regimes from steady flow to chaos, fast Fourier transform and fractal theory are used to analyze the experimental data. The critical conditions for transition have been obtained and discussed by non-dimensional analysis. The quasi-periodic route and Feigenbaum route were observed for different experimental conditions, and the relationship between oscillatory frequency and Marangoni number Ma has been discussed.