A generalized differential quadrature approach to the modelling of heat transfer in non-similar flow with nonlinear convection

Abstract

This study aims to investigate heat transfer and entropy production in the non-similar flow of an incompressible fluid, with nonlinear convection and viscous dissipation. To obtain precise solutions, the Sparrow-Quack-Boerner local non-similarity method is implemented. The non-similarity arises from the nonlinear convection term present in the momentum equation. The non-similarity arises from the nonlinear convection term present in the momentum equation. Consequently, the inclusion of non-similarity terms into the energy equation is achieved through the interconnection of momentum and energy equations. Entropy generation is explored by employing the second law of thermodynamics. Numerical results from several truncation levels are presented in tabular form, and equations for both first and second-level truncations are generated. The one- and two-equation models are solved by implementing the Generalized Differential Quadrature Method (GDQM). Comparison with a second level of truncation reveals significantly greater inaccuracies in numerical results obtained from the first level. This discrepancy arose due to the omission of non-similar terms in the primary governing equations at the first truncation stage. The validity and accuracy of the derived numerical solutions are further demonstrated by the application of the GDQM and the midpoint method with Richardson extrapolation. Additionally, a plot of the numerical data produced from the second level of truncations is presented together with a discussion of the various physical factors. Increasing the mixed convection parameter accelerates fluid velocity, also when the viscous dissipation parameter increases, temperature and the Bejan number increase. The Prandtl number and the thickness of the thermal boundary layer are observed to be inversely related. Moreover, the quantity of entropy generated at the stretching surface and inside the boundary layer rises in proportion to the increases in the Prandtl and Eckert numbers.