Finite difference-finite element approach for solving fractional Oldroyd-B equation

Abstract

In this article, we study an unsteady flow of an anomalous Oldroyd-B fluid confined between two infinite parallel plates subject to no-slip condition at boundary. The flow is induced by a linear acceleration of the lower plate in its own plane. A standard Galerkin finite element method is adopted to construct an approximate solution blended with a finite difference approximation for Caputo fractional time derivatives. The convergence of the proposed numerical scheme is substantiated, and error estimates are provided in appropriate norms. Some adequate numerical simulations are performed in order to elucidate the dominance of characteristic flow parameters of velocity field in the prescribed configuration.