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  • Letter
  • Open Access

Impact of cross and main diffusion coefficients on symmetry breaking in nonreactive diffusion systems

Berin Šeta and Jon Spangenberg2

Mounir M. Bou-Ali

Valentina Shevtsova*

  • Mechanical and Manufacturing Department, Mondragon University, Loramendi 4, Mondragon 20500, Spain and Ikerbasque, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao 48011, Spain

  • *Contact author: x.vshevtsova@mondragon.edu
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Phys. Rev. E 112, L033101 – Published 25 September, 2025

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/yr2z-b9px

Abstract

Diffusion-triggered convection can occur in a gravitationally stable system of two superimposed mixtures. As instability develops, two distinct patterns may emerge: double-diffusive (DD) or diffusion-layer convection (DLC). Traditionally, nonsymmetric patterns above and below the interface were thought to require chemical reaction. We show that symmetry can be broken by composition-dependent diffusion, with or without cross diffusion. Furthermore, only the composition-dependent cross diffusion can lead to a range of coexisting patterns and provide new insights into staircase instability.

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Phys. Rev. E 112, L033101– Published 25 September, 2025
  • Received 9 December 2024
  • Accepted 18 July 2025
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