MHD nanofluid flow analysis in divergent and convergent channels using WRMs and numerical method

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the eligibility of the Weighted Residual Methods (WRMs) applied to magneto hydro dynamic (MHD) nanofluid flow in divergent and convergent channels. Selecting the most appropriate method among the WRMs and discussing about Jeffery-Hamel flow's treatment in divergent and convergent channels are the other important purposes of the present research. Design/methodology/approach – Three analytical methods (Collocation, Galerkin and Least Square Method) and numerical method have been applied to solve the governing equations. The reliability of the methods is also approved by a comparison made between the fourth-order Runge-Kutta numerical method. Findings – The obtained solutions revealed that WRMs can be simple, powerful and efficient techniques for finding analytical solutions in science and engineering non-linear differential equations. Originality/value – It could be considered as a first endeavor to use the solution of the MHD nanofluid flow in divergent and convergent channels using these kinds of analytical methods along with the numerical approach.