Free Convection Effects on the Stokes Problem for an Infinite Vertical Plate

Abstract

An exact analysis of Stokes’ problem (also Rayleigh’s problem) for the flow past an impulsively started infinite vertical plate is presented. The effects of externally heating or cooling the plate by free convection currents are studied. It is observed that the velocity decreases due to more heating of the plate and increases due to more cooling of the plate. The skin friction increases due to greater heating of the plate and decreases owing to greater cooling of the plate. More cooling of the plate may cause reverse type of flow near the plate in the case of air.