On the first problem of Stokes for Burgers’ fluids, I: Case γ

Abstract The velocity field and the associated tangential stress corresponding to the flow of a Burgers’ fluid over a suddenly moved flat plate are determined when the relaxation times satisfy the condition γ λ 2 / 4 . Using the Laplace transform, only one initial condition has been necessary for velocity. The well-known solutions for a Newtonian fluid, as well as those corresponding to an Oldroyd-B fluid performing the same motion, are obtained as limiting cases of our solutions.