Abstract

The Brinkman-Benard convection problem is chosen for investigation, along with very general boundary conditions. Using the Maclaurin series, in this paper, we show that it is possible to perform a relatively exact linear stability analysis, as well as a weakly nonlinear stability analysis, as normally performed in the case of a classical free isothermal/free isothermal boundary combination. Starting from a classical linear stability analysis, we ultimately study the chaos in such systems, all conducted with great accuracy. The principle of exchange of stabilities is proven, and the critical Rayleigh number, Ra-c, and the wave number, a(c), are obtained in closed form. An asymptotic analysis is performed, to obtain Ra-c for the case of adiabatic boundaries, for which a(c)? 0. A seemingly minimal representation yields a generalized Lorenz model for the general boundary condition used. The symmetry in the three Lorenz equations, their dissipative nature, energy-conserving nature, and bounded solution are observed for the considered general boundary condition. Thus, one may infer that, to obtain the results of various related problems, they can be handled in an integrated manner, and results can be obtained with great accuracy. The effect of increasing the values of the Biot numbers and/or slip Darcy numbers is to increase, not only the value of the critical Rayleigh number, but also the critical wave number. Extreme values of zero and infinity, when assigned to the Biot number, yield the results of an adiabatic and an isothermal boundary, respectively. Likewise, these extreme values assigned to the slip Darcy number yield the effects of free and rigid boundary conditions, respectively. Intermediate values of the Biot and slip Darcy numbers bridge the gap between the extreme cases. The effects of the Biot and slip Darcy numbers on the Hopf-Rayleigh number are, however, opposite to each other. In view of the known analogy between Benard convection and Taylor-Couette flow in the linear regime, it is imperative that the results of the latter problem, viz., Brinkman-Taylor-Couette flow, become as well known.