Numerical implementation and error analysis of nonlinear coupled fractional viscoelastic fluid model with variable heat flux

Abstract

The studies conducted in the recent past reveals that the non-Newtonian are extensively applied in several engineering applications. The atypical Oldroyd-B fluid, a specific sub-category of non-Newtonian fluids, with fractional derivative constitutive equations, is very expedient to determine the approximation of many dilute polymer liquids. Since very few studies regarding the numerical solution of the aforesaid model are conducted, so the literature that can be referred to in this regard is scarce. The current article investigates the unsteady magneto-hydrodynamic flow of irregular Oldroyd-B fluid with a modified thermal flux restricted between two infinite parallel plates. Here, it is assumed that the thermal conductivity of the fluid is variable, and the impact of body forces like gravity is accordingly analyzed in terms of non-linear convection. The linear acceleration of the lower permeable plate in its plane prompts the flow. Further, we have investigated the heat transfer in the flow field through a modified fractional thermal gradient and internal heat source. The temperature gradient accelerates with time and exists among the flow boundaries. In order to determine the approximate solution unified with finite difference approximation for Caputo fractional time derivatives, we have utilized the standard Galerkin finite element method. Moreover, we have conducted a convergence analysis of the suggested numerical scheme and offered some valid error approximations. In the non-integer viscoelastic model, the local number and coefficient of skin friction are also deliberated. We have also performed some upright numerical simulations to highlight the ascendency of characteristic flow parameters of velocity and temperature fields in the proposed scheme. Here, we have analyzed that the resistive force increases by 40%, corresponding to an increment in α ranging from 0 to 0.4. Further, the heat transfer rate is diminish by 10.94% against an increase in variable thermal conductivity while it is enhanced by 37.78% corresponding to increased in Pr.