A Nonlinear Singular Boundary Value Problem in the Theory of Pseudoplastic Fluids

Abstract

The boundary layer equations for the class of non-Newtonian fluids termed pseudoplastic are examined under the classical conditions of uniform flow past a semi-infinite flat plate. The adoption of Crocco variables results in a nonlinear, singular boundary value problem for the shear function which is an interesting and natural generalization of the well known Crocco equation arising from the standard Newtonian fluid case. The uniqueness, existence and analyticity of the solution are established and subsequently an explicit power series solution is exhibited.