Group similarity transformation of a non-Newtonian laminar flow past a vertical plate

The heat and mass transfer of a non-Newtonian fluid past a continuous moving vertical sheet subjected to constant heat flux is analyzed using the group similarity transformation method. The nonlinear coupled partial differential equation governing the flow and the boundary conditions are transformed to a system of ordinary differential equations with appropriate boundary conditions. Two cases for the external flow are analytically obtained during the transformation process. One is new; u(w) = x/t, while the other corresponds to Falkner-Skan case. For both cases the ordinary differential equations are solved numerically using the shooting method. The effect of Prandtl and Reynolds numbers as well as the fluid flow index n on the velocity and temperature of the boundary-layer, is investigated. A comparison with previous numerical work is then presented. (c) 2008 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.