Oscillatory thermocapillary convection in a simulated floating-zone configuration

Oscillatory thermocapillary flows in floating zones under reduced gravity conditions are investigated experimentally in a simulated configuration in which a drop of liquid is suspended vertically between two small circular rods which are maintained at different temperatures. Various zone lengths and diameters and two different fluids are tested to study their effects on the oscillatory convection. The onset of oscillations, free surface temperature distributions and flow structure are investigated. Based on the results it is explained that flexibility of the free surface is an important factor in causing the oscillation.