Computational and regression analysis of EMHD Casson tri-hybrid nanofluid flow over a radiant Riga plate: Viscous dissipation, suction, and shape factor considerations

Abstract

Riga plates serve as electromagnetic actuators originally designed to minimize hydrodynamic drag and pressure. Their utility has since broadened to drag reduction in submarines, micro-coolers, biomedical flow control, and thermal reactors. This study computationally simulates and statistically analyzes the energy transfer efficiency of an electro-magnetohydrodynamic (EMHD) Casson trihybrid nanofluid flowing past a vertical radiant Riga plate in scenarios involving natural and forced convection, considering the effects of viscous dissipation, suction, and the nanomaterials’ shape factor. The governing model is solved using a hybrid spectral technique, with numerical results validated against benchmark data. According to the results of the current work, suction augmentation diminishes the tri-hybrid Casson nanofluid’s velocity and drag forces. Elevating the values of mixed convection or Casson factors reduces the Casson tri-hybrid nanofluid’s temperature and enhances its energy transfer. The incorporation of non-spherical nanoparticles reduces the Nusselt number by 0.23%–5.3% and increases skin friction by 1.6%–14% in comparison to using spherical nanoparticles. Multiple regression indicates that thermal radiation is the most positive contributor in boosting energy transfer rates. These insights may advance predictive capabilities for thermal management in energy systems and guide next-generation EMHD reactor design.