Application of a non-linear local analysis method for the problem of mixed convection instability

We consider the problem of laminar mixed convection flow between parallel, vertical and uniformly heated plates where the governing dimensionless parameters are the Prandtl, Rayleigh and Reynolds numbers. Using the method based on the centre manifold theorem which was derived from the general theory of dynamical systems, we reduce a three-dimensional simplified model of ordinary differential amplitude equations emanating from the original Navier-Stokes system of the problem in the vicinity of a trivial stationary solution. We have found that when the forcing parameter, the Rayleigh number, increases beyond the critical value Ra_s, the stationary solution is a pitchfork bifurcation point of the system.