Pattern formation in convection of rotating fluids with broken vertical symmetry

Abstract
Convective patterns in laterally extended rotating cells with a vertically broken symmetry are analyzed. A simplified model allows one to determine the stability of different basic patterns. By means of a generalized Swift-Hohenberg equation one can study the pattern evolution for different rotation rates and different values of the symmetry-breaking term. In particular, a hexagonal pattern with oscillating amplitudes is analyzed and the role of the defects is discussed.