Effects of MHD and thermal radiation on non-Newtonian fluid with Cattaneo–Christov heat over a stretching flow surface

Abstract

In this study, we are investigating the flow of an incompressible Williamson fluid using a Cattaneo–Christov heat flux model, with consideration for a magnetic Reynolds number that is not high. This fluid flows over a linearly stretched 2-D surface and is affected by a magnetic field, thermal radiation-diffusion, and heat generation. To model the Williamson flow, we apply a boundary layer approximation and develop the ordinary differential equations. The system of differential equations is transformed into a system of ordinary differential equations using a suitable transformation. We utilize the Iterative Runge–Kutta fourth-order scheme to numerically solve the boundary conditions associated with the nonlinear, dimensionless ordinary differential equations. Graphical representations of the results are employed to analyze the impact of physical properties on velocity, temperature, and concentration, with the numerical results presented in tabular form. Upon comparing our findings with previously published results, we have found them to be in good agreement. The velocity decreases as the Williamson fluid factor gradually increases. Williamson fluids are recognized for their shear thinning behavior, wherein viscosity decreases as the shear rate increases. However, higher parameter values can lead to increased fluid viscosity, potentially reducing the degree of shear thinning. This phenomenon results in a more uniform viscosity profile across varying shear rates, contributing to a reduced velocity distribution within the fluid.