Entropy generation minimization in the Carreau nanofluid flow over a convectively heated inclined plate with quadratic thermal radiation and chemical reaction: A Stefan blowing application

Abstract

Entropy analysis can help to identify the sources of entropy generation in a heat transfer process more accurately than other methods, such as energy efficiency analysis. This is because entropy analysis takes into account the quality of energy as well as its quantity. Nanofluids have already been shown to have superior heat transfer characteristics compared to conventional fluids. Stefan blowing can further enhance the heat transfer capabilities of nanofluids by increasing the mass flux and turbulence at the surface. This can be beneficial in a wide range of applications, such as heat exchangers, electronic cooling, and solar energy devices. The convective boundary condition accounts for heat transfer effects, influencing temperature distribution and the thermal boundary layer. Depending on the direction of heat transfer, the convective boundary condition can induce cooling or heating effects on the inclined plate. This has practical implications for various engineering applications, such as the cooling of electronic devices or heating in industrial processes. Carreau nanofluids have a wide range of potential applications in heat transfer, energy storage, drug delivery, and food processing. This research investigates how the presence of Stefan blowing affects the properties of Carreau nanofluid flow across a convectively heated tilted plate. Heat and mass transport phenomena are studied using quadratic thermal radiation and chemical reaction parameters. The mathematical model for this work is based on the Buongiorno model. The governing equations are converted into a system of ordinary differential equations and then solved using the bvp4c solver. Physical parameters such as the mass transfer rate can be visualized using bar graphs. The study's primary findings are that when the Weissenberg number increases, the velocity rises and the concentration profile declines due to Brownian motion. It is discovered that, when $0.5\le \Upsilon \le 3$ (the inverse porosity parameter), the friction factor declines by 0.34001 (in the presence of Stefan blowing), and 0.3284 (otherwise). It has been observed that as the Brinkman number and magnetic field parameters increase, there is an increase in entropy formation. Additionally, it has been noted that these same factors have an inverse effect on the Bejan number. At $0.1\le Nb\le 0.6$ (Brownian motion), the Sherwood number is seen to rise at a rate of 0.113353 (in the presence of Stefan blowing), and 0.479739 (otherwise). When the Stefan blowing parameter is absent, the rate of heat transfer is observed to be noticeably faster than when it is present. Furthermore, when the heat source parameter is set to $0.1\le Hs\le 0.6$, the decrement rates in heat transfer rate are 0.12208 (in the presence of Stefan blowing) and 0.02102 (otherwise).