Three-dimensional convective flow of CNTs nanofluids with heat generation/absorption effect: A numerical study

Abstract

Three-dimensional flow of carbon water nanofluid by nonlinear stretched sheet is studied. Nanofluid saturates the porous space. Heat transfer mechanism is examined via more suitable convective type condition and nonuniform heat generation/absorption. The solutal concentration is regulated by a simple isothermal model of homogeneous–heterogeneous reactions. The numerical solutions are obtained through shooting technique by Runge–Kutta method of order five. Both single and multiple walled carbon nanotubes as nanoparticles in the base fluid are considered. Graphical illustrations and tabulated values point out the impact of sundry variables. Both components of velocity show reverse effect for stretching rate ratio. The simulations predict that wall heat flux is inversely proportional to heat generation variable. However value of heat flux is predicted more in case of larger convecting heating strength and volume fraction of carbon nanotubes. Heat transfer coefficient is more in single walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) than in multi walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). Heterogeneous–homogeneous variables and Schmidt number have opposite behaviors on nanoparticle concentration distribution. Excellent agreement is shown through comparison of past and present results.