Similarity solution of MHD free-convective and mass transfer flow over an vertical porous plate with thermal diffusion effects

Abstract

The objectives of the present study are to investigate the similarity solution for a steady two dimensional MHD free-convective and mass-transfer flow of an incompressible, viscous and electrically conducting fluid, past a moving vertical infinite porous plate in the presence of thermal diffusion. The flow is assumed to be at small Reynolds numbers so that the induced magnetic field is neglected. The governing partial differential equations of the MHD free convective boundary layer flow are reduced to nonlinear ordinary differential equations by introducing suitable similarity transformations. The nonlinear similarity equations are then solved analytically by employing the perturbation technique for large suction and numerically by using Nachtshiem-Swigert [18] iteration technique. The results of the numerical solution are then presented graphically in the form of velocity profiles. The corresponding skin friction coefficient, the Nusselt number and the Sherwood number are also calculated and displayed in tables showing the effects of various parameters on them.