Simulation of a two-dimensional Rayleigh-Bénard system using the direct simulation Monte Carlo method

Abstract
The transition from conduction to convection in the two-dimensional Rayleigh-Bénard system has been simulated using the direct simulation Monte Carlo method, where the diffuse reflection boundary conditions are strictly applied at the top and bottom walls. It is shown that the determined critical Rayleigh number agrees well with that obtained by the macroscopic hydrodynamic equations.