Exploring the numerical simulation of Maxwell nanofluid flow over a stretching sheet with the influence of chemical reactions and thermal radiation

Abstract

The significance of the study lies in illuminating the consequences of thermophoresis and Brownian motion on heat and mass transfer, offering valuable insights crucial for practical applications. The purpose of this study is to look into how Casson–Williamson and Maxwell nanofluids flow over a stretching sheet in order to understand how heat and mass move in that situation. The mathematical structure comprises a set of partial differential equations (PDEs) converted into ordinary differential equations (ODEs) through a similarity transformation. Subsequently, the well-established MATLAB BVP4C method, integral to the finite difference approach, is applied to solve these ODEs. For the assurance of the method’s reliability and precision, the acquired outcomes are cross-referenced with existing literature, which is a crucial step in validation. The numerical results are depicted visually and in tables, specifically highlighting the impulse of different influencing elements on the Nusselt number, friction factor, and Sherwood number. Notably, an enhancement within the Brownian motion parameter (Nb) and the thermophoresis parameter (Nt) is found to correspond to higher local Nusselt numbers, indicating an enhancement in heat transfer. Conversely, elevated quantities of the Brownian motion parameter (Nb) result in a reduction in local Sherwood numbers. Physically, a higher Brownian motion parameter causes significant nanofluid particle displacement, enhancing their kinetic energy and intensifying heat generation in the boundary layer. The magnetic parameter (M) influences speed profile decline caused by the Lorentz force, which hinders fluid motion.