Entropy Generation and Thermal Performance Analysis of MHD Ternary Hybrid Nanofluid Jeffery–Hamel Flow Under Heat Generation/Absorption

Abstract

Heat transfer and hydromagnetic flow of ternary hybrid nanofluids between non-parallel plates are presented in this research work. Lorentz force, nanoparticle shape, heat sink/source, non-linear solar radiation, and stretching/shrinking wall effects are considered. A polymer base fluid containing hybrid nanoparticles (i.e., $F{e}_3{O}_4-\mathrm{SWCNT}-\mathrm{MWCNT}$ nanoparticles) is considered. By utilizing the similarity transformations, the fundamental partial differential equations derived from mathematical modeling are transformed into ordinary differential equations. Thereafter, the computational solution is obtained numerically and analytically. The analytical solution is constructed using an efficient computational technique called the Adomian Decomposition method. To ensure validation, the present results for special cases are compared with those obtained using the Runge–Kutta–Fehlberg 4th–5th order (RKF-45) method. The effects of physical factors on velocity, temperature, and entropy generation are shown graphically. Additionally, the impact of multiple variables on the entropy generation number is demonstrated and examined. It is found that the ternary nanofluid velocity boosts with the increase of the Hartmann number, and hence the reversal flow is entirely delayed. Results obtained also reveal that the presence of ternary nanoparticles within base fluid enhances significantly the heat transfer rate (Nusselt number) in both convergent and divergent channels. In addition, it is also found that the heat source raises the temperature of ternary hybrid nanofluid flow for both converging and diverging channels, whereas the heat sink shows a reverse behavior and mainly leads to a cooling effect. Finally, the heat source/sink parameter, the radiation parameter, and the magnetic field strongly influence the Nusselt number.