Computational analysis of nonnewtonian boundary layer flow of nanofluid past a vertical plate with partial slip

Abstract

In the present study, the heat, momentum and mass (species) transfer in external boundary layer flow of Casson nanofluid over a vertical plate surface with multiple slip effect is studied theoretically. The effects of Brownian motion and thermophoresis are incorporated in the model in the presence of both heat and nanoparticle mass transfer convective conditions. The governing partial differential equations (PDEs) are transformed into highly nonlinear, coupled, multi-degree non-similar partial differential equations consisting of the momentum, energy and concentration equations via appropriate non-similarity transformations. These transformed conservation equations are solved subject to appropriate boundary conditions with a second order accurate finite difference method of the implicit type. The influences of the emerging parameters i.e. Casson fluid parameter (β), Brownian motion parameter (Nb), thermophoresis parameter (Nt), Buoyancy ratio parameter (N ), Lewis number (Le), Prandtl number (Pr), Velocity slip factor (Sf) and Thermal slip factor (ST) on velocity, temperature and nano-particle concentration distributions is illustrated graphically and interpreted at length. Validation of solutions with a Nakamura tridiagonal method has been included. The study is relevant to enrobing processes for electric-conductive nano-materials, of potential use in aerospace and other industries.