On the solution of the Bénard problem with boundaries of finite conductivity

Abstract

The Bénard problem in hydrodynamic stability is formulated under conditions where the media bounding the fluid have finite thermal diffusivity. It is shown that the principle of the exchange of stabilities remains valid in this case so that instability in the fluid first sets in as stationary convection. Solutions are obtained for various values of the ratio of the thermal diffusivity of the fluid to that of the bounding media; the critical Rayleigh number at which the instability occurs is markedly reduced when this ratio is large.