Analytical and numerical solutions of electro-osmotically driven flow of a third grade fluid between micro-parallel plates

Electro-osmotic flow of a third grade fluid between micro-parallel plates is considered. The equations of motion are derived and made dimensionless. Approximate analytical solutions are obtained by perturbation techniques. Constant viscosity and temperature dependent viscosity (Reynolds model) cases are treated separately. Numerical solutions of the equations are also obtained. Influences of non-Newtonian parameter, joule heating effect, viscosity index and electro-kinetic effect on the velocity and temperature profiles are shown. Approximate and numerical solutions are contrasted. (c) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.