Solution of the Rayleigh Problem for a Power Law Non-Newtonian Conducting Fluid via Group Method

The magnetic Rayleigh problem where a semi-infinite plate is given an impulsive motion and thereafter moves with constant velocity in a non-Newtonian power law fluid of infinite extent is studied. The solution of this highly non-linear problem is obtained by means of the transformation group theoretic approach. The one-parameter group transformation reduces the number of independent variables by one and the governing partial differential equation with the boundary conditions reduce to an ordinary differential equation with the appropriate boundary conditions. Effect of the parameters and time on the velocity has been studied and the results are plotted.