Thermal boundary layer dynamics in low-Prandtl-number Rayleigh–Bénard convection

In this experimental study, we explore the dynamics of the thermal boundary layer in liquid metal Rayleigh–Bénard convection, covering the parameter ranges of 0.026 ≤ Prandtl numbers (Pr) ≤ 0.033 and Rayleigh numbers ( $Ra$ ) up to 2.9× 10⁹ . Our research focuses on characterising the thermal boundary layer near the top plate of a cylindrical convection cell with an aspect ratio of 0.5, distinguishing between two distinct regions: the shear-dominated region around the centre of the top plate and a location near the side wall where the boundary layer is expected to be affected by the impact or ejection of thermal plumes. The dependencies of the boundary layer thickness on $Ra$ at these positions reveal deviating scaling exponents with the difference diminishing as $Ra$ increases. We find stronger fluctuations in the boundary layer and increasing deviation from the Prandtl–Blasius–Pohlhausen profile with increasing $Ra$ , as well as in the measurements outside the centre region. Our data illustrate the complex interplay between flow dynamics and thermal transport in low- $Pr$ convection.