Exploring the enigmatic interplay between polymers and nanoparticles in a non-Newtonian viscoelastic fluid

Abstract

Non-Newtonian fluids have variable viscosity in response to shear rate, and the presence of polymers and nanoparticles further modifies their flow characteristics. In this paper, the effects of polymers and nanoparticles on mass and heat transfer control, drag reduction, boundary layer flow development in a polymeric finitely extensible nonlinear elastic-Peterlin (FENE-P) fluid, and the significance of nanoscience in modern day life are discussed. We examine the behavior of polymer additives by utilizing a dispersion model in conjunction with the polymeric FENE-P model. Our work includes a comparison with Cortell’s [1] earlier work, which only looked at the behaviour of polymers inclusion into the base fluid. This research investigates numerically how the inclusion of polymers and nanoparticles into the base fluid reduces drag while increasing heat and mass transfer. The observed variations in skin friction, reduced Nusselt, and Sherwood numbers indicate an intriguing correlation between the rates of heat and mass transport and surface drag. More precisely, as the heat and mass transfer efficiency improve, the surface encounters less resistance, which is commonly referred to as drag. In summary, the research highlights the capability of polymers and nanoparticles to effectively modify fluid dynamics, minimize drag, and enhance mass and heat transfer inside the flow region.