Numerical simulation for heat and mass transfer of MHD non-Newtonian fluid flow in a channel subject to temperature-dependent thermophysical features.

The boundary layer flow (BLF) analysis of non-Newtonian fluid with variable thermal conductivity and viscosity has numerous applications including chemical engineering, cooling systems, polymer processing, food rheology, dyeing and finishing. With the objective of these significant applications, this paper provides a comparative numerical analysis of fluid variable viscosity, thermal conductivity and mass diffusivity effects on heat-mass transfer of an electrically conducting non-Newtonian fluid flow within a parallel walled plate channel. This model is novel and predictive because of the thermo-diffusion which includes Soret and Dufour effects and variable thermophysical features of Prandtl fluid. The governing equations are constructed using BL theory assumption. The modified equations are solved computationally using Bvp4c framework. The outcomes show that the magnetic and electric field effects are conflicting and encouraging on the flow field. The input of Prandtl viscosity and elastic parameter on the flow field are encouraging. The temperature is a rising function of the thermal conduction coefficient, thermal radiation, the Eckert and Dufour number. The impact of dynamic fluid properties such as variable viscosity, thermal and mass diffusion is significant on frictional coefficient, Nusselt and Sherwood number. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]