The influence of heat radiation on mixed convection boundary layer flow of a viscoelastic fluid over a circular cylinder with constant surface temperature

The influence of mixed convection boundary layer flow of a viscoelastic fluid over an isothermal horizontal circular cylinder has been analyzed. The boundary layer equations governing the problem are reduced to dimensionless nonlinear partial differential equations and then solved numerically using Keller-box method. Skin friction coefficient and Nusselt number are emphasized specifically. These quantities are displayed against curvature parameter. Effects of mixed convection parameter and radiation-conduction parameter on skin friction coefficient and Nusselt number are illustrated through graphs and table. The boundary layer separation points along the surface of cylinder are also calculated with/without radiation, and a comparison is shown. The presence of radiation helps to reduce the skin friction coefficient in opposing flow case and enhances it for assisting flow case. The increase in value of radiation-conduction parameter helps increase the value of skin friction coefficient and Nusselt number for viscoelastic fluids. The boundary layer separation delays due to thermal radiation.