Analytic self-similar solutions of the Oberbeck–Boussinesq equations

Abstract

In this article we will present pure two-dimensional analytic solutions for the coupled non-compressible Newtonian–Navier–Stokes — with Boussinesq approximation — and the heat conduction equation. The system was investigated from E.N. Lorenz half a century ago with Fourier series and pioneered the way to the paradigm of chaos. We present a novel analysis of the same system where the key idea is the two-dimensional generalization of the well-known self-similar Ansatz of Barenblatt which will be interpreted in a geometrical way. The results, the pressure, temperature and velocity fields are all analytic and can be expressed with the help of the error functions. The temperature field shows a strongly damped single periodic oscillation which can mimic the appearance of Rayleigh–Bénard convection cells. Finally, it is discussed how our result may be related to nonlinear or chaotic dynamical regimes.