AN ASYMPTOTIC SOLUTION FOR LARGE PRANDTL NUMBER FREE CONVECTION

The set of ordinary differential equations governing free convection boundary layer flow past an isothermal semi-infinite vertical flat plate is solved for large Prandtl numbers by means of the method of matched asymptotic expansions. The analysis leads to an expression for heat transfer which contains the Prandtl number explicitly and which is very accurate for sufficiently large values of the Prandtl number. On the other hand the analysis also has qualitative assets. Before choosing the mathematical method of solution, the physical aspects of the large Prandtl number free convection boundary layer are investigated. The mathematical solution serves to enlarge our understanding of the physical implications of a free convection boundary layer in a large Prandtl number fluid. © 1968 Wolters-Noordhoff Publishing.