Heat transfer analysis of single-walled carbon nanotubes in Ellis's fluid model: Comparative study of uniform and non-uniform channels

Abstract

Background: The essential features of nanoparticles in nanofluids play a vital role in nanotechnology. The nanosized particles of carbon are known as carbon nanotubes (CNTs). The properties of CNT like thermal and electrical conductivity, lightweight, flexibility, and mechanical strength support its applications in the medical field i.e., diagnostic and therapeutic agents (drugs, antibodies, biosensors, vaccines etc.). These are not only excellent vehicles for drug delivery and gene therapies but also useful in biosensor diagnostic, enantiomer separation of chiral drugs, tissue regeneration, extraction, and analysis of pollutants and drugs. Objective: The focus of this research work is to open the essential features of peristaltic transport of Ellis nanofluid through uniform and non-uniform channels with suspension of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT). The consideration of blood flow with SWCNT under the effects of heat generation and electroosmosis is one of the key factors of this investigation. Method: The complexity of the system is reduced with the implementation of the concepts of longer wavelength and lower Reynolds number. The governing two-dimensional equations are simplified by introducing dimensionless variables and parameters. The mathematical tool “MATHEMATICA 13.3” is used to compute the exact solution and graphical demonstration of velocity, temperature, heat transfer rate, and streamlines. Computational results: It is noticed that velocity, temperature, and heat transfer rate are prominent in non-uniform channels as compared to uniform channels. Similarly, the size and number of boluses during the trapping phenomenon increase or decrease quickly in non-uniform channels. The volumetric addition of SWCNT diminishes the velocity and temperature while the heat transfer rate is enhanced in both channels but in the nonuniform channel effects are more prominent. Applications: This study explores the applications of SWCNT in medical fields like angiography, angioplasty, and cancer therapy. Novelty: The present study is new and has never been addressed before.

Keywords

• Heat source
• Uniform/non-uniform channel
• Ellis model
• Electroosmotic flow
• Carbon nanotubes