A mixed finite difference/Galerkin method for three-dimensional Rayleigh- Bénard convection (Q1096498)

We consider here a fast, accurate numerical method applicable to systems of nonlinear conservation equations with diffusion that have solutions which are periodic in two of the three space dimensions (or periodic in one dimension for two-dimensional problems). As a special case, the method is implemented for Rayleigh-Bénard convection between two rigid parallel plates in the parameter region where steady three-dimensional convection is known to be stable. High-order streamfunctions are used to reduce the system of five partial differential equations for the five primitive variables to a system of three differential equations. The new dependent variables are then expanded in Fourier series in the periodic (horizontal) directions, and the Galerkin method applied. This leaves a system of ordinary differential equations in the remaining (vertical) coordinate. These are solved by fourth-order-accurate operator compact implicit finite differencing (which is shown, for one case, to be more efficient by a factor of about five over second-order-accurate centered differencing). The calculations to evaluate the nonlinear terms are all performed in Fourier space, thus avoiding aliasing and other problems associated with collocation and Fourier transforms. Numerical tests that verify the expected convergence rates and the absolute accuracy of the method are presented.