Finite amplitude axisymmetric thermoconvective flows in a bounded cylindrical layer of fluid

Finite amplitude axisymmetric thermoconvective flows in a bounded cylindrical layer of fluid heated from beneath were calculated using Galerkin's method. Both systems with insulated and with conducting lateral boundaries were investigated for radius-to-depth ratios of 1, 2·25, 2·55 and 2·66. Flows bounded by a conducting lateral boundary were found to be unstable for Rayleigh numbers greater than 1·1 times the critical value. The cell size was found to be an increasing function of the Rayleigh number.