Mathematical Modelling of Water-Based Fe3O4 Nanofluid Due to Rotating Disc and Comparison with Similarity Solution

Abstract

Abstract The current research demonstrates the revolving flow of water-based Fe3O4 nanofluid due to the uniform rotation of the disc. This flow of nanofluid is investigated using CFD Module in COMSOL Multiphysics. However, the similarity solution for this flow is also obtained after transforming the given equation into a non-dimensional form. In the CFD Module, streamlines and surface plots are compared with the similarity solution for the magnitude of the velocity, radial velocity, tangential velocity, and axial velocity. The results from the direct simulation in the CFD Module and the solution of dimensionless equations represent a similar solution of velocity distribution. The derived results show that increasing the volume concentration of nanoparticles and effective magnetic parameters decrease the velocity distribution in the flow. Results in the CFD Module are important for monitoring the real-time particle tracing in the flow and, on the other hand, the dimensionless solution is also significant for the physical interpretation of the problem. Both methods of solution empower each other and present the physical model without sacrificing the relevant physical phenomena.