The combined influence of nonlinear thermal radiation and thermal stratification on the dynamics of micropolar fluid along a vertical surface

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to consider the problem of thermal destratification facing engineers and scientists during the motion of fluids which consist of rigid and randomly oriented particles suspended in a viscous medium under the influence of Lorentz force. This paper provides an insight into the non-linear transfer of thermal radiation within the boundary layer.Design/methodology/approachSimilarity transformation and parameterization of the non-linear partial differential equation are carried out. The approximate analytical solution of the governing equation which models the free convective flow of strong and weak concentration of micro-elements in a micropolar fluid over a vertical surface is presented.FindingsIt is observed that the velocity and temperature distribution are decreasing properties of thermal stratification parameter St. Maximum local skin friction coefficients are ascertained at an epilimnion level (St=0) when the magnitude of thermal radiation is small. Thermal stratification parameter has no significant effect on the temperature distribution in the flow near a free stream.Originality/valueThe relationship between stratification of temperature and the transfer of thermal energy during the problem of thermal destratification facing engineers and scientist during the motion of fluids which consist of rigid and randomly oriented particles suspended in a viscous medium under the influence of Lorentz force is unravelled in this paper.