Non-similar forced convection analysis of Oldroyd-B fluid flow over an exponentially stretching surface

Abstract

In the study of boundary layer regions, it is in practice to dimensionalize the governing system and grouping variables together into dimensionless quantities in order to curtail the total number of variables. In similar flow phenomenon the physical parameters do not vary along the streamwise direction. However in non-similar flows the physical quantities change in the streamwise direction. In non-similar flows we are forced to non-dimensionalize the governing equations through non-similarity transformations. The forced flow of Oldroyd-B fluid is initiated as a result of stretching of a surface at an exponential rate. Flows over stretching surfaces are important because of their applications in extrusion processes. The forthright purpose of this study is to consider the non-similar aspects of forced convection from flat heated surface subjected to external viscoelastic fluid flow, described by the freely growing boundary layers enclosed by a region that involves without velocity and temperature gradients. The governing system of nonlinear partial differential equations (PDE’s) is transformed into dimensionless form by proposing new non-similar transformations. The dimensionless partial differential system is solved by using local non-similarity via bvp4c. Thermal transport analysis is conducted for distinct values of dimensionless numbers. It is revealed that heat shifting process expanded by the increase in the numerical values of Prandtl number and relaxation time. The dimensionless convective heat transfer coefficient results revealed that it is declining by expanding relaxation time constant β 1 and a boost is observed by enlarging the Pr and retardation time constant β 2 . A comparison of Nusselt number is presented.