Numerical solution of unsteady free convection flow in a second grade fluid

Abstract

In this paper, the problem of unsteady free convection flow moves along a vertical plate in a second grade fluid is studied. The vertical plate with constant temperature is considered. The dimensional governing equations are transformed into non dimensional equations using appropriate dimensionless variables and solved numerically using Finite Difference Method. Numerical results for velocity and temperature profiles are displayed graphically for viscoelastic parameter, Grashof number and Prandtl number and discussed in details. It is found that, increasing the values of Grashof number and time leads to increase in the velocity profiles. Increasing the values of the Prandtl number and viscoelastic parameter is found to decrease the velocity profile. It is further found that, increasing the values of Prandtl number tends to decrease the thermal boundary layer thickness.