Influence of exponential heat source, variable viscosity and shape factor on a hybrid nanofluid flow over a flat plate when thermal radiation and chemical reaction are significant

Abstract

The significance of hybrid nanofluid flow over a flat plate lies in its ability to enhance heat transfer, improve energy efficiency, enable temperature control, and provide surface protection. For instance, hybrid nanofluids can provide a protective coating on the surface of a flat plate due to the presence of nanoparticles. This coating can offer improved corrosion resistance, erosion resistance, and anti-fouling properties. Consequently, it can extend the lifespan of the flat plate and reduce maintenance requirements. In this study, we examined how several characteristics, such as variable viscosity, chemical reaction, thermal radiation and shape factor of nanoparticles, affect the flow of a hybrid nanofluid (H[Formula: see text]) through a flat plate. The equations required to represent the problem have been turned into a system of nonlinear ordinary differential equations, and this system has been unraveled by means of the bvp4c solver. Outcomes are provided for three instances related to shape factor i.e. Platelet, Cylinder and Spherical. Using Multiple Linear Regression (MLR), we investigated how physical parameters of concern together with friction factor, are affected by a variety of parameters. It is remarked that the fluid’s velocity lessens as the variable viscosity parameter enhances. It is discovered that the temperature profile increases with the rise in exponential heat source parameter ([Formula: see text]). It is discovered that when [Formula: see text], the Nusselt number declines by 0.03588 (Platelet shape), 0.03562 (Cylinder shape), and 0.03489 (Spherical shape). It has been noted that magnetic field parameter (Mg) reduces the coefficient of skin friction. At [Formula: see text], the skin friction coefficient is seen to drop at a rate of 1.15018 (Platelet shape), 1.14871 (Cylinder shape), and 1.14476 (Spherical shape). There is an enhancement in the Sherwood number with the rise in Schmidt number (St) and chemical reaction parameter (Cr). At [Formula: see text] the Sherwood number is seen to rise at a rate of 0.248303 (Platelet shape), 0.248344 (Cylinder shape), and 0.248447 (Spherical shape). Furthermore, it is detected that the fluid’s temperature rises as the thermal radiation parameter enhances and the entropy generation increases as the variable viscosity parameter increases.