Similarity solution of double diffusive free convective flow over a moving vertical flat plate with convective boundary condition

Abstract

Abstract This paper investigates combined heat and mass transfer by free convective flow along a moving vertical flat plate with thermal convective boundary condition. The governing transport equations are converted into a system of coupled nonlinear ordinary differential equations by using suitable similarity variables. The transformed equations are then solved numerically. The analysis reveals that a similarity solution exists if the convective heat transfer coefficient is inversely proportional to one fourth power of the axial distance. The effect of the controlling parameters (convective heat transfer, buoyancy ratio, Prandtl number, Schmidt number and Rayleigh number) on the dimensionless velocity, temperature and concentration profiles as well as on the friction factor, heat transfer rates and mass transfer rates is displayed graphically and discussed. It is found that the buoyancy ratio reduces the temperature and concentration whilst it increases the velocity. The convective heat transfer parameter increases both the momentum and thermal boundary layer thicknesses whilst it decreases the thickness of the concentration boundary layer. Close agreement is found between present and published results.