Numerical investigation of mixed convection boundary layer flow for nanofluids under quasilinearization technique

Abstract

Abstract The study of boundary layer flow under mixed convection has been investigated numerically for various nanofluids over a semi-infinite flat plate which has been placed vertically upward for both buoyancy-induced assisting and buoyancy-induced opposing flow cases. To facilitate numerical calculations, a suitable transformation has been made for the governing partial differential equations (PDEs). Then, similarity method has been applied locally to approximate the nonlinear PDEs into a coupled nonlinear ordinary differential equations (ODEs). Then, quasilinearization method has been taken for linearizing the nonlinear terms which are present in the governing equations. Thereafter, implicit trapezoidal rule has been taken for integration numerically along with principle of superposition. The effect of physical parameters which are involved in the study are analyzed on the flow and heat transfer characteristics. This study reveals the presence of dual solutions in case of opposing flow. Further, this study shows that with increasing $$\phi$$ ϕ and Pr, the range of existence of dual solutions becomes wider. Also, it has been noted that nanofluids enhance the process of heat transfer for buoyancy assisting flow and it delays the separation point in case of opposing flow.

Keywords

• Mixed convection
• Dual solutions
• Nanofluids
• Quasilinearization method