Exact solutions for the flow of an Oldroyd-B fluid due to an infinite flat plate

The unsteady flow of an Oldroyd-B fluid due to an infinite flat plate, subject to a translation motion of linear time-dependent velocity in its plane, is studied by means of the Laplace transform. The velocity field and the associated tangential stress corresponding to the flow induced by the constantly accelerating plate as well as those produced by the impulsive motion of the plate are obtained as special cases. The solutions that have been determined, in all accordance with the solutions established using the Fourier transform, reduce to those for a Newtonian fluid as a limiting case. The similar solutions for a Maxwell fluid are also obtained.