Layer formation in monodispersive suspensions and colloids

We present theoretical results on spontaneous stratification of sedimenting suspensions and colloids caused by a lateral temperature gradient. Fluid motion is treated in the Stokes approximation, and motion of suspended particles is described by Burgers equation with convection. The internal structure and interaction of shocks at convection roll boundaries is studied numerically using a reduced one-dimensional model based on a Galerkin approach. Qualitative comparison is made to experimental data.