The two-dimensional steady-state boundary layer flow of an incompressible micropolar fluid in a Darcian porous medium is studied theoretically and computationally. The governing parabolic partial differential equations are reduced to dimensionless form by using a set of transformations, under appropriate boundary conditions. A network simulation method (NSM) solution is presented. Translational velocities (U, V) are found to increase with a rise in Darcy number
(Da) and to increase and decrease, respectively, with a rise in micropolar parameter (Er), i.e., Eringen number (ratio of micropolar vortex viscosity to Newtonian viscosity). Micro-rotation is increased with increasing Er and Da values. Translational velocity gradient, ∂U/∂Y and micro-rotation gradient, ∂Ω/∂Y both increase with Darcy number; however, they are both found to decrease with increasing micropolar parameter, Er. The present study finds applications in polymer flows in filtration systems, chemical engineering, biorheology of porous tissue and plastic sheet processing.
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