Hydromagnetic Rayleigh problem with Hall effect

An exact solution of the governing equations of motion for the flow, induced by an impulsive start of a long flat plate, under the action of a strong transverse magnetic field with Hall currents, has been obtained in a closed form. Some interesting results along with the asymptotic cases of very small and very large times are discussed, accounting for the influence of the governing parameters on the flow character. It is seen that the time taken by the flow to attain the steady state increases due to Hall effect. The final steady flow is characterised by a boundary layer, of which the thickness increases due to Hall current.On leave fromRavenshaw College, Cuttack, Orissa, India.The author is indebted to Dr. R. S.Nanda for his help in the preparation of this paper, and to Dr. P.Mitschka for his constant ercouragement.