Similarity Solution for Unsteady Gravity-Driven Dry Patch in a Non-Newtonian Fluid Flow

We consider an unsteady thin-film flow of a non-Newtonian fluid around a dry patch subject to gravitational acceleration on an inclined plane. The general governing partial differential equation is transformed into the second-order ordinary differential equation using a unique travelling-wave similarity transformation. The analysis shows that the dry patch has a parabolic shape and the film thickness was found to increase monotonically away from the dry patch. Numerical solutions of the similarity equation are obtained for the velocity of the dry patch. These numerical solutions are also compared with the asymptotic solutions in the certain limits. The effects of power-law index on the behavior and patterns of the solutions are also discussed.