On boundary-layer flows induced by the motion of stretching surfaces

Abstract

Abstract We investigate laminar boundary-layer flows due to translating, stretching, incompressible sheets. Unlike the classical problem in the literature where the mechanics of the sheet are neglected, and kinematics are prescribed, the dynamics of both the fluid and the sheet are herein coupled. Two types of stretching sheets are considered: an elastic sheet that obeys linear elasticity and a sheet that deforms as a viscous Newtonian fluid. In both cases, we find self-similar solutions to the coupled fluid/sheet system. These self-similar solutions are only valid under limiting conditions.