The effect of the couple stress parameter and Prandtl number on the transient natural convection flow over a vertical cylinder.

An analysis is performed to study transient free convective boundary layer flow of a couple stress fluid over a vertical cylinder, in the absence of body couples. The solution of the time-dependent non-linear and coupled governing equations is carried out with the aid of an unconditionally stable Crank-Nicolson type of numerical scheme. Numerical results for the steady-state velocity, temperature as well as the time histories of the skin-friction coefficient and Nusselt number are presented graphically and discussed. It is seen that for all flow variables as the couple stress control parameter, Co, is amplified, the time required for reaching the temporal maximum increases but the steady-state decreases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]