Heat transfer analysis of magnetohydrodynamics peristaltic fluid with inhomogeneous solid particles and variable thermal conductivity through curved passageway

Purpose: The particle distribution in a fluid is mostly not homogeneous. The inhomogeneous dispersion of solid particles affects the velocity profile as well as the heat transfer of fluid. This study aims to highlight the effects of varying density of particles in a fluid. The fluid flows through a wavy curved passage under an applied magnetic field. Heat transfer is discussed with variable thermal conductivity. Design/methodology/approach: The mathematical model of the problem consists of coupled differential equations, simplified using stream functions. The results of the time flow rate for fluid and solid granules have been derived numerically. Findings: The fluid and dust particle velocity profiles are being presented graphically to analyze the effects of density of solid particles, magnetohydrodynamics, curvature and slip parameters. Heat transfer analysis is also performed for magnetic parameter, density of dust particles, variable thermal conductivity, slip parameter and curvature. As the number of particles in the fluid increases, heat conduction becomes slow through the fluid. Increase in temperature distribution is noticed as variable thermal conductivity parameter grows. The discussion of variable thermal conductivity is of great concern as many biological treatments and optimization of thermal energy storage system’s performance require precise measurement of a heat transfer fluid’s thermal conductivity. Originality/value: This study of heat transfer with inhomogeneous distribution of the particles in a fluid has not yet been reported.