Mixed convection stagnation point flow of a hybrid nanofluid past a vertical flat plate with a second order velocity model

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to describe the steady mixed convection stagnation point of a hybrid nanofluid with a second-order velocity slip.

Design/methodology/approach

Using appropriate similarity variables, the partial differential equations are transformed into ordinary (similar) differential equations, which are numerically solved using the bvp4c function in MATLAB. The numerical results are used to present graphical illustrations for the reduced skin friction, reduced Nusselt number, velocity and temperature profiles.

Findings

Dual solutions are discovered in this study. Thus, stability analysis is implemented and the first (upper branch) and second (lower branch) solutions are determined and analyzed.

Research limitations/implications

Hybrid nanofluids have many practical applications in the modern industry such as in micro-manufacturing, periodic heat exchanges process, nano drug delivery system and nuclear reactors.

Originality/value

Despite numerous studies on the mixed convection stagnation point of classical viscous fluids past a vertical plate flow, none of the researchers have focused on the effect of second-order slip velocity on hybrid nanofluids. The behavior of the flow and heat transfer has been thoroughly analyzed with the variations in governing parameters such as heat source/sink and nanoparticle volume fraction. Moreover, the use of the wall slip velocity in this hybrid nanofluid model strengthened the novelty of this study.

Citation

Roşca, A.V., Roşca, N.C. and Pop, I. (2021), "Mixed convection stagnation point flow of a hybrid nanofluid past a vertical flat plate with a second order velocity model", International Journal of Numerical Methods for Heat & Fluid Flow, Vol. 31 No. 1, pp. 75-91. https://doi.org/10.1108/HFF-03-2020-0152