HAM-based analysis of nonlinear convection of two-layer water and air-TiO₂ flow model in a vertical channel

Abstract

This article investigates the nonlinear convection transport of heat transfer in a nanoparticle laden two-layer flow in a vertical channel under the additional effects of magneto hydrodynamic (MHD) and radiation. Water and compressed air are chosen as the fluids in two-layer flow. This type of flow is commonly seen in the transportation of oil and gas in pipelines, therefore, correct understanding of flow dynamics including convective transport phenomenon, layers interaction, and graphical interpretation of flow variables is important for better designing of equipments. Titanium dioxide $(\mathrm{\text{Ti}}{\mathrm{O}}_2)$ nanoparticles are added into the air to magnify the transport mechanism. The mathematical model incorporating buoyancy, nonlinear convection, MHD, viscous dissipation, and radiation effects is presented in the form of nonlinear Ordinary Differential Equation (ODE’s). Then utilizing homotopy analysis method, these interconnected differential equations are resolved. A visual illustration shows how different physical factors affect fluid rate and temperature. Tabulated values of Nusselt number at both walls are presented to discuss the numerical data of convection and found that it decreases toward the left boundary but rises toward the right wall by increasing Eckert number and Prandtl number. The results of this two-layer flow will help in understanding this complex flow which has practical applications in various engineering processes and further enhance the scientific knowledge related to multilayer problems.

Keywords:

• Homotopy analysis method
• MHD
• nonlinear convection
• Nusselt number
• titanium dioxide

Disclosure statement

The authors have no competing interests to declare.

Additional information

Funding

The authors received no internal or external funding to carry out this research.