Nonlinear radiation effect on MHD Carreau nanofluid flow over a radially stretching surface with zero mass flux at the surface

Abstract

A mathematical model is envisaged to study the axisymmetric steady magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) Carreau nanofluid flow under the influence of nonlinear thermal radiation and chemical reaction past a radially stretched surface. Impact of heat generation/absorption with newly introduced zero mass flux condition of nanoparticles at the sheet is an added feature towards novelty of the problem. Further, for nanofluid the most recently organized model namely Buongiorno’s model is assumed that comprises the effects thermophoresis and Brownian motion. Utilizing suitable self-similar transformations, the set of partial differential equations with high nonlinearity are converted into a dimensionless system of ordinary differential equations. Set of these transmuted equations are numerically solved by MATLAB built-in function bvp4c. Impact of germane parameters on all involved profiles are plotted to examine the heat and mass transfer characteristics. This study reveals that the temperature distribution is an escalating function of the heat generation and nonlinear radiation parameters. Also, it is noted that the incrementing values of chemical reaction parameter lowers the nanoparticles concentration profile. A comparison of the present investigation with already published explorations in limiting case is also added to authenticate the presented results; hence reliable results are being presented.