A theory is proposed of the mechanism of the excitation of free thermal convection, which is activated by an electric force and creates an electric instability. This thermoelectric mechanism can account for the excitation of cellular motion when a medium is heated from above by, for example, laser radiation.

PACS: 44.25.+f, 47.20.−k, 47.65.+a (all) DOI: 10.1070/PU1995v038n11ABEH000118 URL: https://ufn.ru/en/articles/1995/11/c/ A1995TL17100003 Citation: Eidel’man E D "Excitation of an electric instability by heating" Phys. Usp. 38 1231–1246 (1995) BibTexBibNote ® (generic)BibNote ® (RIS)MedlineRefWorks Оригинал: Эйдельман Е Д «Возбуждение электрической неустойчивости нагреванием» УФН 165 1279–1294 (1995); DOI: 10.3367/UFNr.0165.199511c.1279