MHD stagnation-point flow and heat transfer of a nanofluid over a stretching/shrinking sheet with melting, convective heat transfer and second-order slip

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to study the effects of MHD, suction, second-order slip and melting on the stagnation-point and heat transfer of a nanofluid past a stretching/shrinking sheet. Design/methodology/approach Using appropriate variables, the governing partial differential equations were transformed into ordinary (similarity) differential equations, which are then solved numerically using the function bvp4c from Matlab. Findings It is found that dual (upper and lower branch) solutions exist for some values of the governing parameters. From the stability analysis, it is found that the upper branch solution is stable, while the lower branch solution is unstable. The sample velocity, temperature and concentration profiles along both solution branches are graphically presented. Originality/value The results of the paper are new and original with many practical applications of nanofluids in the modern industry.