A comparative study of Al2O3 and TiO2 nanofluid flow over a wedge with non-linear thermal radiation

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to analyze the impact of chemical reaction and thermal radiation on mixed convection flow, heat and mass transfer characteristics of nanofluid through a wedge occupied with water–TiO2 and water–Al2O3 made nanofluid by considering velocity, temperature and concentration slip conditions in present investigation.Design/methodology/approachUsing acceptable similarity transformations, the prevailing partial differential equations have been altered into non-linear ordinary differential equations and are demonstrated by the diverse thermophysical parameters. The mathematical model is solved numerically by implementing Galarkin finite element method and the outcomes are shown in tables and graphs.FindingsThe temperature and concentration fields impede as magnetic field parameter improves in both water–Al2O3 and water–TiO2 nanofluid. While there is contradiction in the velocity field as the values of magnetic field parameter rises in both nanofluids. The non-dimensional velocity rate, rate of temperature and rate of concentration rise with improved values of Weissenberg number.Originality/valueNanofluid flows past wedge-shaped geometries have gained much consideration because of their extensive range of applications in engineering and science, such as, magnetohydrodynamics, crude oil extraction, heat exchangers, aerodynamics and geothermal systems. Virtually, these types of nanofluid flows happen in ground water pollution, aerodynamics, retrieval of oil, packed bed reactors and geothermal industries.