Finite element analysis of hydromagnetic free convection and mass transfer flow past a vertical porous plate with temperature gradient dependent heat source

The numerical solution of an unsteady MHD free convection heat and mass transfer flow of an incompressible, electrically conducting, viscous fluid, past an infinite vertical porous flat plate has been studied. The flow is considered under the influence of constant suction velocity and temperature gradient dependent heat source. The constant suction and the uniform magnetic field are considered normal to the plate. The dimensionless governing equations for this investigation are solved numerically by using Galerkin finite element method. The effects of flow parameters on the velocity, temperature distribution, species concentration, skin-friction, Nusselt and Sherwood numbers are computed and presented in figures and tables. Results obtained show that a decrease in the temperature as the Prandtl number and suction parameter are increased and the flow velocity approaches steady state as the time parameter t, is increased. These findings are in quantitative agreement with earlier reported studies. (author)