MHD Casson nanofluid flow in a square enclosure with non-uniform heating using the Brinkman model

Abstract

In this investigation, we have examined the flow and thermal characteristics of MHD Casson nanofluid in a square enclosure with non-uniform heat source at the bottom wall using the Brinkman model. Finite volume technique is employed to solve system of nonlinear partial differential equations. Impact of the governing parameters on the local Nusselt number, streamlines and isotherms has been demonstrated. Two counter rotating vortices are seen in the streamlines which result from the buoyancy caused by the variations in fluid temperature along the side of the enclosure with non-uniform temperature distribution. An increase in the Raleigh number results in a sharp rise in the temperature in the middle of the enclosure, whereas the thermal distribution becomes steeper near the enclosure walls. It has been noted that, for higher values of the Rayleigh number, effect of the magnetic field (quantified by the Hartman number) becomes prominent as a force of retardation.