Thermal analysis of hybrid nano-fluids: Modeling and non-similar solutions

Abstract

The thermal analysis of hybrid nano-fluids is a significant research area with diverse applications in industries such as paint, electronics, and mechanical engineering. Existing literature provides limited solutions to the governing equations for the flow of these fluids. Modeling and deriving non-similar solutions for these equations pose interesting and challenging mathematical problems. This study focuses on investigating heat transfer in the flow of two types of nano-fluids, specifically Al_2O3/H2O micropolar nano-fluid and Al₂O₃ + Ag/H₂O hybrid nano-fluid, near an isothermal sphere. Conservation laws are employed to formulate the mathematical problem, and by normalizing the variables, the governing equations are converted into a set of dimensionless partial differential equations. Non-similar solutions are then obtained using numerical methods. A comparative analysis is carried out to assess the influence of various parameters on different profiles and engineering quantities for both types of nano-fluids. Both linear and rotational velocities fall down near the surface of sphere with rising microstructure in hybrid nanofluid. The micro-rotation parameter rises the temperature profile while reduces the Nusselt number of both traditional Al₂O₃/water based nanofluid as well as hybrid nanofluid.