Flow state multiplicity in convection

Pattern formation in a layer of fluid heated from below is an example of macroscopic ordering in continuous media. Here we show that in a relatively compact experimental version of the problem, a rich and diverse set of stable flows can be found. These flows, many of which are novel, can be categorized and understood in terms of their symmetry properties. This approach shows promise for providing insight into the more complicated fluid motion that occurs as the lateral dimension of the layer is increased. (C) 1999 American Institute of Physics. [S1070-6631(99)01110-1].