Comparative investigation of activation energy and biot number on quadratic convective flow of a radiating micropolar fluid

Abstract

In this study, we evaluate the significance of activation energy for initiating a chemical reaction in a two-dimensional laminar flow of a micropolar fluid over a semi-infinite inclined plate. The internal heat transfer mechanism of fluid is modeled with considerations of radiation and convective thermal boundary conditions. The momentum equation uses quadratic density relations in the concentration and temperature differences in buoyancy. In addition, flow through a porous medium surrounded by an inclined plate is modeled by the Darcy-Forchheimer model. Using a spectral successive linearization approach achieves the numerical results for the dimensionless equations. Basic characteristics of flow are examined for a range of dimensionless physical parameters. Quadratic convection is observed to have a stronger impact on the physical components of the flow than linear convection. In addition, compared to the linear illustration, the quadratic convection scenario results in a 14 % − 19 % increase in surface drag and heat transmission rate and a 5 % − 9 % decrease in mass transfer rate. Further, a higher activation energy corresponds with a higher concentration of micropolar fluid. Furthermore, as the radiation and Biot number rise, the velocity and rate of heat transfer correspondingly increase. We believe that the obtained results apply to aerosol technologies and polymeric mixtures used under extreme temperatures and concentrations.