The action of spatial modulation of a transverse temperature gradient on floating droplets dynamics

The instabilities of a floating droplet under the action of an inclined temperature gradient in the presence of the spatial modulation of the transverse temperature gradient are investigated. The problem is studied numerically in the framework of the slender droplet approximation and the precursor model. It is shown that the spatial modulation of the transverse component of the Marangoni number is accompanied by the change of the droplet shape and can lead to development of periodic oscillations. In the definite region of parameters, quasi-periodic oscillations accompanied by the creation of pulsating satellites have been obtained. The separation and the recombination of the ‘main’ droplet with the satellites have been observed.