Analysis of Unsteady Magnetohydrodynamic 3-D Rotating Flow and Transfer of Heat in Carbon Nanotube-Water Nanofluid: An Engineering Application

Abstract

We have analysed unsteady Magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) 3-D rotating flow of Carbon Nanotube (CNT) water nanofluid past a stretching surface dealing with thermal radiation mechanism of heat transfer and heat source/sink. The mathematical model consists of a system of non-linear coupled Partial Differential Equations (PDEs). Numerical solution is obtained and discussed in detail. The influence of flow dominant parameters on the temperature profiles and flow-field are also discussed in detail using tables and graphs. Results are justified by previously published results in the limiting sense. Various crucial results are obtained, for example, unsteadiness parameter accelerates the fluid velocities in both directions near the sheet and reverse behaviour is noticed away from the sheet. However, fluid rotation causes reduction in primary velocity but it tends to accelerate secondary velocity near the sheet. Insertion of nanoparticle volume fraction intensifies fluid velocity and attenuates fluid temperature. We also found that multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes (MWCNTs) offer more resistance for primary skin friction and less resistance for secondary skin friction when compared with Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes (SWCNTs).