Nonlinear convective flows in a two-layer system under the action of spatial temperature modulation of heat release/consumption at the interface

An influence of a spatial temperature modulation of the interfacial heat release/consumption on nonlinear convective flows in the 47v2 silicone oil - water system, is studied. Rigid heat-insulated lateral walls, corresponding to the case of closed cavities, have been considered. Transitions between the flows with different spatial structures, have been investigated. It is shown that the spatial modulation can change the sequence of bifurcations and lead to the appearance of specific steady and oscillatory flows in the system. •An influence of a spatial temperature modulation on nonlinear flows has been studied.•The joint action of buoyancy and thermocapillary effect has been in-vestigated.•Rigid heat-insulated lateral boundaries have been considered.•It is shown that the spatial modulation can change the sequence of bifurcations.