Entropy generation analysis on unsteady flow of Maxwell nanofluid over the stretched wedge with Cattaneo-Christov double diffusion

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to present the effect of entropy generation on the unsteady flow of upper-convected Maxwell nanofluid past a wedge embedded in a porous medium in view of buoyancy force. Cattaneo-Christov double diffusion theory simulates the processes of energy phenomenon and mass transfer. Meanwhile, Brownian motion, thermophoresis and convective boundary conditions are discussed to further visualize the heat and mass transfer properties.

Design/methodology/approach

Coupled ordinary differential equations are gained by appropriate similar transformations and these equations are manipulated by the Homotopy analysis method.

Findings

The result is viewed that velocity distribution is a diminishing function with boosting the value of unsteadiness parameter. Moreover, fluid friction irreversibility is dominant as the enlargement in Brinkman number. Then controlling the temperature and concentration difference parameters can effectively regulate entropy generation.

Originality/value

This paper aims to address the effect of entropy generation on unsteady flow, heat and mass transfer of upper-convected Maxwell nanofluid over a stretched wedge with Cattaneo-Christov double diffusion, which provides a theoretical basis for manufacturing production.

Citation

Bai, Y., Fang, H. and Zhang, Y. (2022), "Entropy generation analysis on unsteady flow of Maxwell nanofluid over the stretched wedge with Cattaneo-Christov double diffusion", International Journal of Numerical Methods for Heat & Fluid Flow, Vol. 32 No. 6, pp. 2198-2220. https://doi.org/10.1108/HFF-05-2021-0362