Variational iteration method with He's polynomials for MHD Falkner-Skan flow over permeable wall based on Lie symmetry method

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to consider a steady two-dimensional magneto-hydrodynamic (MHD) Falkner-Skan boundary layer flow of an incompressible viscous electrically fluid over a permeable wall in the presence of a magnetic field. Design/methodology/approach – The governing equations of MHD Falkner-Skan flow are transformed into an initial values problem of an ordinary differential equation using the Lie symmetry method which are then solved by He's variational iteration method with He's polynomials. Findings – The approximate solution is compared with the known solution using the diagonal Pad’e approximants and the geometrical behavior for the values of various parameters. The results reveal the reliability and validity of the present work, and this combinational method can be applied to other nonlinear boundary layer flow problems. Originality/value – In this paper, an approximate analytical solution of the MHD Falkner-Skan flow problem is obtained by combining the Lie symmetry method with the variational iteration method and He's polynomials.