Electroosmosis forces EOF driven boundary layer flow for a non-Newtonian fluid with planktonic microorganism: Darcy Forchheimer model

Abstract

PurposeThe study of the electro-osmotic forces (EOF) in the flow of the boundary layer has been a topic of interest in biomedical engineering and other engineering fields. The purpose of this paper is to develop an innovative mathematical model for electro-osmotic boundary layer flow. This type of fluid flow requires sophisticated mathematical models and numerical simulations.Design/methodology/approachThe effect of EOF on the boundary layer Williamson fluid model containing a gyrotactic microorganism through a non-Darcian flow (Forchheimer model) is investigated. The problem is formulated mathematically by a system of non-linear partial differential equations (PDEs). By using suitable transformations, the PDEs system is transformed into a system of non-linear ordinary differential equations subjected to the appropriate boundary conditions. Those equations are solved numerically using the finite difference method.FindingsThe boundary layer velocity is lower in the case of non-Newtonian fluid when it is compared with that for a Newtonian fluid. The electro-osmotic parameter makes an increase in the velocity of the boundary layer. The boundary layer velocity is lower in the case of non-Darcian fluid when it is compared with Darcian fluid and as the Forchheimer parameter increases the behavior of the velocity becomes more closely. Entropy generation decays speedily far away from the wall and an opposite effect occurs on the Bejan number behavior.Originality/valueThe present outcomes are enriched to give valuable information for the research scientists in the field of biomedical engineering and other engineering fields. Also, the proposed outcomes are hopefully beneficial for the experimental investigation of the electroosmotic forces on flows with non-Newtonian models and containing a gyrotactic microorganism.