A class of steady solutions to two-dimensional free convection

Abstract

We obtained steady solutions to the two-dimensional Boussinesq approximation equations without mean temperature gradient. This system is referred to as free convection in this paper. Under an external flow described by the stream function $\mPsi = - Ayf(x)$, two types of steady solutions are found depending on the boundary conditions. One is kept steady by the balance between the strain of $\mPsi$ and the diffusion. The solution is similar to the Burgers vortex layer solution. The other is done by the balance between vorticity induced by the buoyancy and vorticity flux caused by the external flow. Detailed argument on these two balances is presented for $f(x) = x$. Then two examples other than $f(x) = x$ are shown to have either of the two balancing mechanism. We discuss the relation between these solutions and long-lived fine scale coherent structures observed in direct numerical simulations of two-dimensional free convection turbulence.