Transition of MHD boundary layer flow past a stretching sheet

In this paper a study is carried out to understand the transition effect of boundary layer flow: (1) due to a suddenly imposed magnetic field over a viscous flow past a stretching sheet and (2) due to sudden withdrawal of magnetic field over a viscous flow past a stretching sheet under a magnetic field. In both the cases the sheet stretches linearly along the direction of the fluid flow. Governing equations have been non-dimensionalised and the non-dimensionalised equations have been solved using the implicit finite difference method of Crank-Nicholson type. Comparison between the steady state exact solutions and the steady state computed solutions has been carried out. Graphical representation of the dimensionless horizontal velocity, vertical velocity and local skin friction profiles of the steady state and unsteady state has been presented. Computation has been carried out for various values of the magnetic parameter M. The obtained results has been interpreted and discussed. (c) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.