Numerical simulation of free convective flow over vertical disk via spectral-collocation method

Abstract

Free convective motion of viscous nanofluid over a vertical circular disk stretching along radial direction is investigated here. The disk surface is supposed as heated and flow influenced by magnetic field. In thermal analysis, thermophoretic and Brownian forces are considered in addition to thermal radiation in the system. Computation of highly nonlinear system of equations which governs the present problem is the challenging task among the scientists. In the context, a novel robust scheme is developed to explore the accurate solution of governing model. This scheme is based on spectral method and well-known Newton's Raphson method. The forced, free, thermal and soultal profiles are presented in graphical form. These outcomes of the problem are also validated through the comparison with well-known published results. Hence, It is noted that a better convergence acquired in the present study. Additionally, in physical explanation of outcomes, it is observed that higher magnitude of Brownian force increases the free convective motion of the fluid. The solution method convergence is also discussed via residual error and L2−norm.

Keywords

• Free convection
• Nanofluids
• Stretching disk
• Magnetic field
• Spectral method
• Newton's method