The Effect of Mass Transfer on Free Convection

Abstract

Consideration is given to the constant property laminar boundary layer equations with free convection and mass transfer. It is shown that similar solutions are possible for blowing rate distributions varying as the distance from the leading edge raised to the power (n − 1)/4 where n is the exponent in a power law surface temperature distribution. Solutions to the equations in the form of skin friction and heat-transfer parameters, and velocity and temperature profiles are presented for the constant wall temperature case for a fluid with Pr = 0.73. The cases considered range from strong suction to strong blowing. Mass transfer has a pronounced effect on the heat transfer but only a slight effect on the skin friction. In light of the solutions presented, these effects are shown to be physically rational.