Traveling-Wave Bulk Electroconvection Induced across a Temperature Gradient

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Abstract
If a temperature gradient is imposed on a slightly conducting liquid, a gradient in natural electrical conductivity generally results. It is shown that if the liquid is then subjected to a wave of electric field traveling perpendicular to the temperature and conductivity gradients, charges are induced in the liquid bulk. These charges relax to form a traveling wave which interacts with the imposed field to pump the liquid. The sign of the conductivity gradient determines whether the liquid is pumped in the same direction or a direction opposite to that of the traveling wave. Equations are given for the velocity profile in plane flow, showing the effect of fluid properties as well as of the frequency, wavelength, and potential of the traveling wave. Experiments support the significance of the theory. Observations of a type of bulk Rayleigh‐Taylor instability are discussed.

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