Linear and nonlinear stability analysis of binary viscoelastic fluid convection

The linear and weakly nonlinear stability analysis of the quiescent state in a viscoelastic fluid subject to vertical solute concentration and temperature gradients is investigated. The non-Newtonian behavior of the viscoelastic fluid is characterized using the Oldroyd model. Analytical expressions for the critical Rayleigh numbers and corresponding wave numbers for the onset of stationary or oscillatory convection subject to cross diffusion effects is determined. A stability diagram clearly demarcates non-overlapping regions of finger and diffusive instabilities. A Lorenz system is obtained in the case of the weakly nonlinear stability analysis. The effect of Dufour and Soret parameters on the heat and mass transports are determined and discussed. Due to consideration of dilute concentrations of the second diffusing component the route to chaos in binary viscoelastic fluid systems is similar to that of single-component (thermal) viscoelastic fluid systems. © 2013 Elsevier Inc.