Numerical Study of Natural Convection Flow of Nanofluid Past a Circular Cone with Cattaneo–Christov Heat and Mass Flux Models

Abstract

The objective of this study is to analyze the natural convection flow of nanofluid along a circular cone placed in a vertical direction. The generalized heat flux and mass flux models are commonly known as the Cattaneo–Christov heat flux model and mass flux models. In the present study, these models are used for both heat and mass transfers analysis in nanofluid flow. For the governing equations, the Buongiorno transport model is used in which two important slip mechanism, namely thermophoresis and Brownian motion parameters, are discussed. The resulting governing equations in the form of partial differential equations (PDEs) are converted into ordinary differential equations (ODEs) due to similar flow along the surface of a circular cone. To solve these ODEs, a numerical algorithm based on implicit finite difference scheme is utilized. The effects of dimensionless parameters on heat and mass transfer in nanofluid flow are discussed graphically in the form of velocity profile, temperature profile, Sherwood number and Nusselt number. It is noted that in the presence of the Cattaneo–Christov heat flux model and mass flux model, the heat transfer rate decreases by increasing both thermal and concentration relaxation parameters; however, Sherwood number decreases by increasing the thermal relaxation parameter, and increases by increasing the concentration relaxation parameter.