Synergy of experiments and computer simulations in research of turbulent convection

We discuss the potential and limitations of current experimental and simulation techniques and their synergy in the research of turbulent convection. Examples from our recent experience are presented where complementing of experimental and simulation approaches has not only provided precious information, but has also revealed some unexpected phenomena which could have remained hidden if the problem was investigated only experimentally or only-by simulations. Among examples considered are the two paradigms of turbulent flows and heat transfer, and a challenging MHD problem: 1. Thermal convection over horizontal surfaces in a broad range of conditions including extreme ones, covering experiments for Ra = 10(8)-10(9), DNS for Ra = 10(5)-10(8), LES for 10(6)-10(9) and VLES/T-RANS for Ra = 10(6) -2 X 10(16); 2. Experimental, RANS and LES studies of flow structure and heat transfer in single and multiple impinging jets at higher Re numbers; 3. Computer-simulation of a model of fluid-magnetic dynamo, in association with experiments in Riga (Latvia) and Dresden (Germany). (C) 2005 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.