Magnetohydrodynamic orientation effects on Soret and Dufour phenomena in inclined corrugated triangular cavities with non-Newtonian fluids

Abstract

This research delves into the intricate influence of magnetohydrodynamic orientation on Soret and Dufour effects within inclined, corrugated triangular cavities containing non-Newtonian fluids, underscoring the impacts of magnetic alignment, cavity inclination, and fluid rheology on convective transport dynamics. By systematically transforming the governing partial differential equations into non-dimensional forms using selected similarity variables, the study applies the finite element method (FEM) for computational analysis. The research intricately dissects the influence of multiple interdependent physical parameters on flow morphology, concentration, isotherms, and local Nusselt numbers, which serve as a barometer for the system's heat transfer efficacy. Critical variables under scrutiny for include magnetohydrodynamics ($0\le \mathrm{Ha}\le {10}^3$), buoyancy-driven convective forces ($0\le N_{\chi }\le 20$), the non-Newtonian nature of Casson fluid ($0.1\le \beta \le 1$), as well as the cross-diffusion effects epitomized by the Soret ($-15\le S_{\chi }\le 15$) phenomena. Additional dimensionless parameters, such as the Lewis ($0.1\le L_{\epsilon }\le 50$) and Rayleigh numbers (${10}^2\le R_a\le {10}^5$), further characterize the thermal and concentration fields within the cavity, alongside the role of internal heat generation/absorption ($-10\le \Delta \le 10$) mechanisms for fixed value of Darcy number (${\lambda }_d={10}^{-3}$). The results show that the Casson parameter subtly affects the distribution of thermal energy and particles, which in turn influences flow patterns and convection. In contrast, the Soret parameter has a direct effect on concentration gradients, regulating the layering of solutes within the fluid. It has been found that inclined MHD orientation effects create variations in magnetic fields, which disrupt fluid velocity and affect heat transfer rates. These effects reshape temperature contours, altering isotherm patterns and local thermal gradients. The study underscores the complex interplay of non-linear factors that collectively govern the efficiency of heat and mass transfer processes in non-Newtonian fluids subjected to magnetothermal and buoyancy forces, with broad implications for optimizing industrial and natural convection systems.