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Description
This study investigates the steady-state thermal and magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) behaviour of electrically conducting nanofluids in a Couette flow configuration between two infinite parallel plates. The upper plate moves at a constant velocity under partial slip conditions, while convective heat exchange is imposed at the upper boundary and a fixed temperature is maintained at the lower plate. Cu-Water and Al₂O₃-Water nanofluids are considered, modelled using a single phase continuum framework in which effective thermophysical properties including density, viscosity, thermal conductivity, heat capacity, and electrical conductivity are expressed as functions of nanoparticle volume fraction. The governing momentum, energy, and entropy generation equations are non-dimensionalised and solved using the Spectral Quasi-Linearisation Method (SQLM), which offers rapid convergence for nonlinear boundary value problems. Parametric analysis is conducted across key dimensionless groups: the Hartmann number (Ha), Eckert number (Ec), nanoparticle volume fraction (φ), slip parameter (λ), pressure gradient parameter (G), Reynolds number (Re), and Biot number (Bi). Results show that increasing the Hartmann number suppresses fluid velocity through the opposing Lorentz force while amplifying temperature gradients via Joule dissipation. Higher nanoparticle volume fractions enhance thermal conductivity and improve heat transfer rates as reflected in increasing Nusselt numbers, though with increased flow resistance. Entropy generation and Bejan number profiles are examined to quantify the relative contributions of heat transfer irreversibility, viscous dissipation, and magnetic field effects to overall thermodynamic inefficiency. The findings offer fundamental insights applicable to thermal management systems, electromagnetic cooling devices, and micro-electromechanical applications.
| Apply for student award at which level: | MSc |
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| Consent on use of personal information: Abstract Submission | Yes, I ACCEPT |