Transformations, properties, and exact solutions of unsteady axisymmetric boundary layer equations for non-Newtonian fluids

Abstract

Unsteady axisymmetric boundary layer equations for power-law non-Newtonian fluids are analyzed. A number of new exact solutions containing arbitrary functions and free parameters are constructed using generalized or functional separation of variables. The solutions are obtained using a Crocco-type transformation reducing the order of the equations examined and simpler point transformations. Along with the exact solutions to axisymmetric boundary layer equations, some new exact solutions to planar boundary layer equations for non-Newtonian fluids are constructed. Several properties have been discovered that allow the exact solutions of the unsteady axisymmetric boundary layer equations to be generalized by including additional arbitrary functions therein. All results refer to an arbitrarily shaped streamlined solid of revolution.