Similar axially symmetric Marangoni boundary layers

Results are reported of the continuing analysis of Marangoni boundary layers and the case of similar axisymmetric layers is investigated by taking into account recent results of the general theory of free convection for arbitrary fluids, imposed temperature differences, and gravity levels. The formulation of the boundary layer approximation to the field equations for axisymmetric configurations is derived and analyzed by applying the Mangler transformation. It is shown that field equations and boundary conditions in Mangler's plane have the same form as for plane motion except for the interface tangential momentum balance equation. Similarity conditions are found to lead to power law distributions in terms of Mangler's streamwise variable for the outer temperatures and the radius of the interface. The corresponding form f the field equations are derived and their solution method outlined. The implications of these findings are analyzed.