Pattern selection in a horizontally vibrated container

We investigate the dynamics and pattern formation properties of a fluid interface whose supporting container is subjected to horizontal vibrations. Experimental results demonstrate the prevalence of so-called subharmonic cross-waves beyond the linear stability limit of directly forced synchronous surface waves, and reveal several new and interesting properties of these subharmonic waves in large aspect ratio systems, including a preferred orientation other than 90 degrees, a tendency to form domains of distinct patterns, and a variety of low-frequency modulations.