Thermomagnetic convection in a vertical layer of ferromagnetic fluid

Linear stability of convection flow of ferromagnetic fluid between two vertical differentially heated plates placed in a uniform external magnetic field perpendicular to the plates is studied. Complete stability diagrams for two- and three-dimensional disturbances are presented. It is shown that two distinct mechanisms, thermogravitational and magnetic, are responsible for the appearance of three instability modes. The physical nature of all three modes is investigated in detail and the most prominent features are identified to provide guidance for future experimental investigation. Depending on the governing parameters, the instability patterns are shown to consist of vertical stationary magnetoconvection rolls and/or vertically or obliquely counterpropagating thermogravitational or thermomagnetic waves. (C) 2008 American Institute of Physics.