Spiral Dynamics in Pattern-Forming Systems: Mean Flow Effects

Mean flow effects are discussed for two different pattern-forming systems: Rayleigh-Benard convection and Faraday instability in viscous fluid. In both systems spirals are observed in certain parameter regions. In the Rayleigh-Benard convection, the spiral core instability and subsequent generation of up- and downflow hexagons are shown to occur due to the mean flow generated by the curved rolls near the core. In the Faraday instability, the mean flow which is generated by rapidly decaying surface waves near the wall, causes wavenumber frustration which leads to a rigid-body spiral rotation. In both cases we use phenomenological Swift-Hohenberg-type equations for the order parameter coupled to a large-scale mean flow. Numerical simulations are compared to recently reported experimental results.