Computational modeling of magnetohydrodynamic non-Newtonian fluid flow past a paraboloid of revolution

Abstract

Flow and heat transfer behavior of magnetohydrodynamic Carreau and Casson fluids past an upper part of the paraboloid of revolution with space dependent internal heat source/sink is investigated theoretically. The buoyancy induced on the flow is considered in such way that the surface is neither vertical/horizontal nor wedge/cone. The equations that govern the flow are transformed using suitable similarity variables and solved numerically by employing R-K-F integration scheme. Graphical results are obtained to discuss the behavior of flow and temperature fields for various parameters of interest. Also the wall friction is computed and heat transfer coefficient is reduced. It is found that the boundary layers of temperature and velocity distributions are non-uniform for Carreau and Casson flows. Impact of drag force is high on Casson flow when equated with Carreau fluid. Keywords: Magnetohydrodynamic (MHD), Carreau fluid, Casson fluid, Paraboloid of revolution