Based on direct numerical simulations and symmetry arguments, we show that the large-scale Fourier modes are useful tools to describe the flow structures and dynamics of flow reversals in Rayleigh-Bénard convection (RBC). We observe that during the reversals, the amplitude of one of the large-scale modes vanishes, while another mode rises sharply, very similar to the “cessation-led” reversals observed earlier in experiments and numerical simulations. We find anomalous fluctuations in the Nusselt number during the reversals. Using the structures of the RBC equations in the Fourier space, we deduce two symmetry transformations that leave the equations invariant. These symmetry transformations help us in identifying the reversing and nonreversing Fourier modes.

• Received 27 March 2011

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevE.83.067303