Linear stability analysis of nanofluid flow over static or moving wedge using the collocation spectral method

Abstract

The major goal of the present contribution is to fully examine the linear stability analysis of two-dimensional nanofluid flow over a moving as well as a static wedge under the impact of an adverse or favorable pressure gradient. Using similarity variables, the velocity profiles for the mean flow are obtained by converting the mean flow equations into a nonlinear ODE that is numerically solved using the fourth-order Runge-Kutta method. The stability equations for the flow of nanofluids are solved using the spectral Chebyshev collocation technique. Numerous numerical simulations are performed to understand the impact and influence of various parameters such as the concentration of the selected nanoparticle, wedge velocity, pressure gradient, and types of nanofluid. The obtained outcomes indicate that the critical dimensionless value of Reynolds number of instability decreases significantly with increasing wedge velocity in the same direction of fluid motion, with increasing concentration of nanoparticles, and when the pressure is adverse, which makes the flow more stable. On the contrary, the flow becomes unstable when the wedge moves against the fluid flow's direction in the instance of a favorable pressure.