Theoretical investigation of heat transfer analysis in Ellis nanofluid flow through the divergent channel

Abstract

Nanofluid flow with heat transfer is investigated in this article. Ellis fluid model of non-Newtonian fluid features is treated as physiological fluid in a complex divergent wavy channel. Thermophysical properties of blood and gold are used to form the nanofluid. The single-phase model is taken into account for the mathematical formulation of the nano-suspension. Long wavelength approximation and assumption of low Reynolds number are applied to obtain the governing differential equations of heat mass transfer. A closed-form solution is achieved by following some cumbersome mathematical manipulations. The Poisson–Boltzmann differential equation is incorporated to derive anelectrochemical potential of ions for the electro-osmotic flow (EOF). Numerical data has also been computed against the most prominent contributors and found to be in complete adherence with the existing literature for the limiting case. It is inferred from the visual graphics that the convection of nanofluid rises initially due to the flexibility of the channel for additional introduction of nano species up to 20%. However, the case is vice versa for the region 1<x<1.5. The variation of Brinkman number greater than one (Br>1) outpaced the conduction of heat produced by viscous dissipation for the domain. Heat transfer rate diminishes which results in cooling-effects on the system. Enlarge boluses resulting from electro-osmotic parameters (UHS=3) indicate strong resistive forces.