Optimal and Numerical Solutions for an MHD Micropolar Nanofluid between Rotating Horizontal Parallel Plates

Area of Science:

• Fluid dynamics
• Heat transfer
• Nanofluids

Background:

• Micropolar fluids exhibit microstructural elements, influencing flow behavior.
• Nanofluids enhance thermal conductivity, crucial for heat transfer applications.
• Rotating systems introduce Coriolis and centrifugal forces affecting fluid dynamics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the flow and heat transfer characteristics of a micropolar nanofluid between horizontal parallel plates in a rotating frame.
• To analyze the impact of various physical parameters on fluid velocity, temperature, micro-rotation, and nanoparticle concentration.
• To compare analytical and numerical solutions for key performance indicators.

Main Methods:

• Governing partial differential equations for momentum, energy, micro-rotation, and nanoparticle concentration were formulated.
• Similarity transformations were applied to reduce PDEs to ODEs.
• Optimal Homotopy Analysis Method (OHAM) was used for analytical solutions.
• Mid-point integration scheme was employed for numerical validation.

Main Results:

• Analytical and numerical solutions showed excellent agreement.
• Local skin friction coefficient increases with stronger nanoparticle concentrations (n=0 vs. n=0.50).
• Nusselt and Sherwood numbers exhibit similar quantitative responses to both strong and weak concentrations.

Conclusions:

• The study provides a comprehensive analytical and numerical understanding of micropolar nanofluid behavior in rotating systems.
• Concentration significantly impacts skin friction, highlighting its importance in controlling drag.
• The findings are relevant for optimizing heat and mass transfer in microfluidic devices and rotating machinery.