Stability analysis of impinging oblique stagnation-point flow over a permeable shrinking surface in a viscoelastic fluid

This study attempts to present the stability of dual solutions obtained from impinging inclined stagnation-point flow past a permeable shrinking flat plate in a viscoelastic fluid. The similarity transformation helps to simplify the complex model in the form of partial differential equations, into a system of ordinary differential equations. The bvp4c function provides the numerical solutions according to the variations in the governing parameters. The skin friction along the permeable shrinking surface is dependent on the elasticity of the fluid. A higher degree of shrinking persuades quicker flow separations. The dual solutions, are apparent when the sheet is stretching/shrinldng. Stability analysis reveals that the second solution is unstable and therefore, may not be practicable. The results from this study can be useful to explain and enhance the hydraulic fracturing system in the mining industry. All numerical results presented are original and new for the study of fluid flow and heat transfer of inclined stagnation-point flow towards a permeable shrinking surface in a viscoelastic fluid. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.