Eur. Phys. J. Plus (2017) 132: 544
https://doi.org/10.1140/epjp/i2017-11806-0

Regular Article

Utilization of the computational technique to improve the thermophysical performance in the transportation of an electrically conducting Al₂O₃ - Ag/H₂O hybrid nanofluid

Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Sciences, HITEC University, 44700, Taxila, Pakistan

^* e-mail: zahidiqbal_qau@yahoo.com

Received: 20 October 2017
Accepted: 27 November 2017
Published online: 27 December 2017

Abstract

In this study, we analyzed the induced magnetic field effect on stagnation-point flow of a Al₂O₃-Ag/water hybrid nanofluid over a stretching sheet. Hybrid nanofluid, a new type of conventional fluid has been used for enhancement of heat transfer within boundary layer flow. It is notable here that only 1% to 5% contribution of nanoparticles enhance thermal conductivity of water. Nonlinear governing equations are simplified into boundary layer equations under boundary layer approximation assumption. A coupled system of nonlinear partial differential equation is transformed into a nonlinear system of ordinary differential equation by implementing suitable similarity conversions. Numerical analysis is performed by means of Keller box scheme. Effects of different non-dimensional governing parameters on velocity, induced magnetic field and temperature profiles, along with skinfriction coefficient and local Nusselt number, are discussed and presented through graphs and tables. Hybrid nanofluid is considered by keeping the 0.1% volumetric fraction of silver. From this study it is observed that the heat transfer rate of hybrid nanofluid (Al₂O₃-Ag/water) is higher than nanofluid (Ag/water). Novel results computed are useful in academic studies of hybrid nanofluids in engineering and industry.