Analysis of variable properties on ternary and tetra hybrid nanofluids using Blasius Rayleigh–Stokes time dependent variable: A model for solar aeronautical engineering

Abstract

This study analyses the properties of ternary and tetra hybrid nanofluids using the Blasius Rayleigh–Stokes time dependent variable model. The aim is to provide a model for solar aeronautical engineering. The study focuses on the behavior of the hybrid nanofluids under various conditions and the effects of variable viscosity and variable thermal conductivity on their performance. Copper (Cu), Zirconium dioxide (ZrO2), Aluminium Oxide (Al2O3) and Iron Oxide (Fe3O4) are the four nanoparticles examined in this study with the mixture of ethylene glycol (EG) as the base fluid. The governing Partial Differential Equations (PDEs) were reduced to a non-dimensional equation with the aid of the Blasius Rayleigh–Stokes variable resulting into a set of coupled nonlinear Ordinary Differential Equations (ODEs). The resulting non-linear ODEs together with their boundary conditions (BCs) were solved numerically using Homotopy Analysis Methods (HAM). The results showed that the tetra hybrid nanofluid flow has enhanced velocity when compared to the ternary nanofluid as a result of the presence of magnetite in the fluid. The magnetite nanoparticles are found to be highly soluble in Ethylene glycol due to steric and electrostatic interaction between the particles arising by the surface adsorbed molecules and associated positive charges. The use of ternary and tetra hybrid nanofluids also showed improved thermal conductivity and stability. These findings have significant implications for the design and development of more efficient and sustainable solar aeronautics. Overall, this study provides a comprehensive analysis of the potential of hybrid nanofluids in solar aeronautical engineering and highlights the importance of considering variable properties in their design and implementation. The unique aspects of this work include the creation of a model for the installation of parabolic trough solar collector (PTSC) on solar-powered aircraft and the numerical analysis of hybrid nanofluid flow using a time-dependent variable model under the effect of variable characteristics, thermal radiation, and magnetohydrodynamics (MHD).