Use of the finite element scheme for the optimization of non-linear thermal radiation in electroosmotic and ciliary-induced hybrid nanofluids with buoyancy forces

Abstract

Microfluidic systems have recently gained significant interest because of their valuable applications in biomedical fields involving heat and fluid flow. One important development in this area is the study of how electroosmotic forces and cilia-driven motion influence the transport of hybrid nanofluids (HNFs). This study presents a comprehensive mathematical modeling of a microchannel mechanical actuator system involving the electrokinetically ciliary-peristaltic flow dynamics of magnesium oxide (MgO) and molybdenum disulfide (MoS 2 ) hybrid nanoparticles. The primary aim is to investigate the combined effects of electroosmotic forcing and ciliary motion on the flow behavior and heat transfer characteristics of nanofluids, considering the influences of nonlinear thermal radiation, and thermal slip effects. The nanoparticles mixture is utilized as the base fluid (BF) due to its superior antacid properties, water treatment, life-sustaining resource, and suitability for domestic applications. The MgO and MoS 2 nanoparticles are introduced to increase the thermal conductivity of the base fluid. Electrokinetic-driven flow is induced within a microtube, and additional propulsion is provided by coordinated ciliary beating along the inner tube wall. The governing equations describing momentum and energy transport are simplified by applying lubrication theory alongside the Debye–Hückel potential linearization. The resulting dimensionless nonlinear system is numerically solved using the finite element method. Furthermore, results reveal that the mounting value of thermal slip boosts the fluid temperature via diminishing resistance to heat transfer along the surface. The velocity profile significantly improves as the electroosmotic velocity parameter decreases.