The effect of buoyancy forces on the boundary-layer flow over a semi-infinite vertical flat plate in a uniform free stream

Abstract

The boundary-layer flow over a semi-infinite vertical flat plate, heated to a constant temperature in a uniform free stream, is discussed in the two cases when the buoyancy forces aid and oppose the development of the boundary layer. In the former case, two series solutions are obtained, one of which is valid near the leading edge and the other is valid asymptotically. An accurate numerical method is used to describe the flow in the region where the series are not valid. In the latter case, a series, valid near the leading edge is obtained and it is extended by a numerical method to the point where the boundary layer is shown to separate.