Application of the sequential gradient-restoration algorithm to thermal convective instability problems

The problem of the thermal stability of a horizontal incompressible fluid layer with linear and nonlinear temperature distributions is solved by using the sequential gradient-restoration algorithm developed for optimal control problems. The hydrodynamic boundary conditions for the layer include a rigid or free upper surface and a rigid lower surface. The resulting disturbing equations are solved as a Bolza problem in the calculus of variations. The results of the study are compared with the existing works in the literature.The authors acknowledge valuable discussions with Dr. A. Miele.