A numerical study of thermal and diffusion effects on MHD Jeffrey fluid flow over a porous stretching sheet with activation energy

Abstract

The primary aim of this research work is to develop a mathematical model for the two-dimensional steady incompressible flow of a Jeffrey fluid over a vertical stretching sheet immersed in a Darcy porous medium. The combined effects of Soret and Dufour numbers, activation energy, viscous dissipation, thermal radiation, mixed convection, and Joule heating are included in the energy and concentration equations within this model. Using appropriate similarity variable transformations, the governing partial differential equations were altered into nonlinear ordinary differential equations and then solved numerically using the Runge-Kutta-Fehlberg method along with the shooting technique. The impact of various physical parameters on concentration, velocity, and temperature profiles is deployed through graphs. The velocity increased with a gradual increment in the values of the viscous ratio, thermal, and solutal stratification parameters, whereas the reverse trend was noticed for the magnetic strength. The temperature diminishes as the Prandtl number increases, whereas the opposite scenario exists for Eckert and Dufor numbers and radiation. The fluid concentration rises for a monotonic increment of the Soret number, while it reduces as the Schmidt number, activation energy, and reaction constraint escalate. The amplification of skin friction is observed with an increase in magnetic field strength, while it decreases with an increasing viscous ratio factor. The Nusselt number decreases as radiation increases and the Eckert number rises, but the opposite scenario occurs with increases in the Prandtl number. The Sherwood number is heightened by an increase in the Schmidt number, reaction, and activation energy factors. Moreover, the numerical values of skin friction and the Nusselt number are compared with the previously published work, demonstrating excellent agreement between the results.

Keywords:

• Activation energy
• Jeffrey fluid
• mixed convection
• radiation
• Soret and Dufour effects
• stretching sheet

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.