In this paper, we have considered the two-dimensional stagnation point flow and heat transfer of an electrically conducting viscous fluid over an exponentially stretching sheet. The Navier-Stokes equations are reduced into a system of highly non-linear ordinary differential equations by similarity transformations. The resulting systems are then solved numerically by shooting method. The effects of suction/injection parameters on the boundary layer are discussed in detail. Our numerical results reveal that for a particular range of the velocity ratio parameter, dual solutions exist. Interestingly these two solution branches show opposite characters in the velocity and temperature profiles. Thus, it is worthwhile to carry a stability analysis of these two solutions to determine the feasible solution. A linear temporal stability analysis has been carried out, and the stability is tested by the sign of the smallest eigenvalue. The smallest eigenvalues are found by two different numerical schemes, which agree well up to the desired accuracy. The effects of the pertinent flow parameters in the velocity and temperature profiles are discussed in detail and are shown graphically.

The present study accentuates the magnetohydrodynamic and suction/injection effects on the two-dimensional stagnation point flow and heat transfer of a non-Newtonian fluid over a shrinking sheet. The set of Navier-Stokes equations are converted into a system of highly non-linear ordinary differential equations by employing suitable similarity variables. The obtained self-similar equations are then solved numerically with the aid of shooting technique. The similarity equations exhibit dual solutions over a certain range of the shrinking strength. It is observed that the solution domain increases as the suction/injection parameter, the non-Newtonian parameter and the magnetic parameter increase. Moreover, it is further noticed that these two solution branches show opposite behavior on the velocity and temperature profiles for the combined effects of the several flow parameters. Emphasis has been given to determine the most feasible and physically stable solution branch. Thus a linear temporal stability analysis has been carried out and the stability of the these two branches are tested by the sign of the smallest eigenvalue. The smallest eigenvalues are found numerically which suggest that the upper solution branch is stable and the flow dynamics can be describe by the behavior of the upper solution branch.

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Purpose This paper aims to theoretically and numerically investigate the steady two-dimensional (2D) Hiemenz flow with heat transfer of Reiner-Rivlin fluid over a linearly stretching/shrinking sheet. Design/methodology/approach The Navier–Stokes equations are transformed into self-similar equations using appropriate similarity transformations and then solved numerically by using shooting technique. A simple but effective mathematical analysis has been used to prove the existence of a solution for stretching case (λ> 0). Moreover, an attempt has been laid to carry the asymptotic solution behavior for large stretching. The obtained asymptotic solutions are compared with direct numerical solutions, and the comparison is quite remarkable. Findings It is observed that the self-similar equations exhibit dual solutions within the range [λc, −1] of shrinking parameter λ, where λc is the turning point from where the dual solutions bifurcate. Unique solution is found for all stretching case (λ > 0). It is noticed that the effects of cross-viscous parameter L and shrinking parameter λ on velocity and thermal fields show opposite character in the dual solution branches. Thus, a linear temporal stability analysis is performed to determine the basic feasible solution. The stability analysis is based on the sign of the smallest eigenvalue, where positive or negative sign leading to a stable or unstable solution. The stability analysis reveals that the first solution is stable that describes the main flow. Increase in cross-viscous parameter L resulting in a significant increment in skin friction coefficient, local Nusselt number and dual solutions domain. Originality/value This work’s originality is to examine the combined effects of cross-viscous parameter and stretching/shrinking parameter on skin friction coefficient, local Nusselt number, velocity and temperature profiles of Hiemenz flow over a stretching/shrinking sheet. Although many studies on viscous fluid and nanofluid have been investigated in this field, there are still limited discoveries on non-Newtonian fluids. The obtained results can be used as a benchmark for future studies of higher-grade non-Newtonian flows with several physical aspects. All the generated results are claimed to be novel and have not been published elsewhere.