Hydromagnetic Nanofluid Flow Through Stretching Convergent-divergent Conduit with Heat and Mass Transfer

Abstract

This present study investigates hydromagnetic non-Newtonian nanofluid flow past linearly stretching convergent-divergent conduit with variable magnetic field and variable thermal conductivity with skin friction, heat and mass transfer using spectral relaxation numerical technique. The nanofluid considered in this current study is electrically conducting which is subjected to constant pressure gradient and magnetic field considered to be variable applied at an angle. The two walls which are non-parallel are not intersecting so as to allow nanofluid to flow, the angle in between the non-parallel walls is <i>θ</i>. The equations governing the nanofluid flow are continuity, energy, magnetic induction and conservation of momentum equations. After modelling, the specific equations governing the nano-fluid flow are partial differential equations which are highly nonlinear, the specific equations are first transformed through similarity transformation into a systems of ordinary differential equations. The boundary value problem formed is solved numerically using spectral relaxation numerical technique. The results of effects of varying various dimensionless parameters of the model are represented graphically and results discussed at each stage. The knowledge of nanofluids can be used in nuclear power production where it acts as a coolant. In Africa, South Africa is the only country producing nuclear power for commercial use, different governments on the continent are exploring nuclear energy as a climate-friendly for power production to enhance industrialization even in rural areas. In nuclear power production, water is used as a coolant. Using nanofluid instead of water it could increase the thermophyical properties which increases the rate of cooling. The usage of nanofluids as a coolant could also be used in emergency cooling systems, where they could cool down overheat machines quickly leading to an efficient and improved power plant safety.