A new variational technique to free convection boundary layer flow and heat transfer

Abstract

A new variational method based on the governing principle of dissipative processes is developed for the solution of coupled non-linear equations arising in free convection boundary layer flow and heat transfer. The method is applied to get the approximate solution of free convection flow along a semi-infinite vertical plate. It is found that the rate of heat transfer computed for various Prandtl numbers using the present variational approach is quite close to exact known results. The result of present investigation is found to be better than that of well-known Karman-Pohlhausen integral method.