Cattaneo–Christov Heat Flux Model in Flow of Copper Water Nanofluid Through a Stretching/Shrinking Sheet on Stagnation Point in Presence of Heat Generation/Absorption and Activation Energy

Abstract

The authors have developed a model to mathematically study Cu–water nanofluid stagnation point flow past a stretching/shrinking sheet. Generalized Fourier’s model famously known as Cattaneo–Christov model in presence of heat generation/absorption is utilized to analyze the heat transfer. The effects of thermal radiation, suction, slip and activation energy are also reported. Moreover, the thermal conductivity of nanofluid is considered as a variable. Similarity transformations are utilized to write the equations in non-dimensional forms. The numerical solution of the flow problem is achieved by means of Runge–Kutta–Fehlberg method. Results depicting the behavior of solution profiles are presented via graphs and tables. Influence on skin friction, heat and mass transfer rates for varying strength of key parameters are also reported. Results show that thermal relaxation parameter and thermal radiation help to escalate heat transfer whereas activation energy compels mass transfer rate to decrease. Slip and suction are seen to decrease mass transfer and increase heat transfer, respectively.