Mathematical Solution on MHD Stagnation Point Flow of Ferrofluid

Abstract

This study presents a numerical investigation on the magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) stagnation point flow of a ferrofluid with Newtonian heating. The black oxide of iron, magnetite (Fe3O4) which acts as magnetic materials and water as a base fluid are considered. The two dimensional stagnation point flow of cold ferrofluid against a hot wall under the influence of the uniform magnetic field of strength is located some distance behind the stagnation point. The effect of magnetic and volume fraction on the velocity and temperature boundary layer profiles are obtained through the formulated governing equations. The governing equations which are in the form of dimensional non-linear partial differential equations are reduced to dimensionless non-linear ordinary differential equations by using appropriate similarity transformation. Then, they are solved numerically by using the Keller-box method which is programmed in the Matlab software. It is found that the cold fluid moves towards the magnetic source that is close to the hot wall. Hence, leads to the better cooling rate and enhances the heat transfer rate. Meanwhile, an increase of the magnetite nanoparticles volume fraction, increases the ferrofluid capabilities in thermal conductivity and consequently enhances the heat transfer.