Polymer Dispersion Effects on Drag, Heat Transfer, and Mass Transfer in Non-Newtonian Based Nanofluids

Abstract

This article explores the influence of polymers on the boundary layer flow, heat transfer, and mass transfer control of non-Newtonian-based nanofluids flowing past a stretching surface. The mathematical model incorporates the Oldroyd-B model to analyze the effects of polymers, while the Powell–Eyring and Reiner–Philippoff viscosity models are employed to study the behavior of non-Newtonian fluids. The dispersion model is adopted to account for nanofluid characteristics. Appropriate transformations yield governing equations with similar forms, which are solved numerically to investigate the impact of polymer inclusion on skin friction, Nusselt number, and Sherwood number. The study’s findings reveal that the addition of polymers to the non-Newtonian-based nanofluids leads to a reduction in heat and mass transport while enhancing skin drag. Detailed analysis of these effects sheds light on the underlying physical mechanisms.