Numerical modeling of unsteady two-dimensional convection in a finite-length horizontal layer heated from below

The development of two-dimensional thermo-gravitational convection in an elongated horizontal layer bounded by solid surfaces with the bottom instantaneously heated is investigated. The characteristics of the transition from the heat conduction regime to the convective regime are considered. The flow pattern and the heat transfer properties are described from the initial instant, which corresponds to the isothermal fluid at rest, up to the attainment of the steady-state roll-convection regime. A criterial dependence between the Rayleigh number and the nondimensional time of onset of the influence of thermo-gravitational convection on heat transfer is obtained.