Abstract
This paper deals with linear stability analysis of the effects resulting from the substitution of the classical Fourier law by the non-classical Maxwell - Cattaneo law in Rayleigh - Benard convection in second order fluid is studies. Coleman-Noll constitutive equaion is used to give a viscoelastic correction. The eigenvalue is obtained for free - free isothernal boundary combination. The classical approach predicts an infinite speed for the propagation of heat. The present non-classical theory involves a wave type heat transport (SECOND SOUND) and does not suffer from the physically unacceptable drawback of infinite heat propagation speed. It is found that the results are noteworthy at short times and the critical eigenvalues are less than the classical ones.
