Breakdown of the boundary-layer approximation for mixed convection above a horizontal plate (Q1068648)

The mixed convection flow over a horizontal plate is investigated. Boundary-layer equations, modified to account for the hydrostatic pressure variation across the boundary layer, are solved numerically by a finite-difference scheme. If the (normal) fluid is cooled from below (or heated from above), the numerical results indicate that the derivative of the wall shear stress tends to infinity as a critical distance from the leading edge is approached. This occurs when the wall shear stress is still positive, i.e. before the classical separation criterion is satisfied. A mechanism of self-amplification is shown to be responsible for the breakdown.