Thermal and mass diffusive studies of transient free convective radiative hybrid nanofluid along an infinite vertical plate

Abstract

Objectives: This research study scrutinizes the combined effect of heat and mass transfer on the unsteady free convective flow of a hybrid nanofluid past an infinite vertical plate, considering, mass diffusion and thermal radiation. Methods: The present study examines the influence of four nanoparticles, namely Al2O3, Cu, TiO2 and Ag - on flow behavior, heat, and mass transfer. Using the Laplace transform technique, the governing equation for concentration, temperature, and velocity profiles are solved and validated against existing literature. The research includes water, nanofluids, and hybrid nanofluids with nanoparticle volume fractions ranging from 0 to 0.04, and features a graphical representation of the Sherwood number, skin friction, and Nusselt number. Findings: Results show that the velocity profiles improve with increased radiation parameters and nanoparticle concentration, while temperature profiles vary among nanofluids, with TiO2-Al2O3/water achieving optimal velocity performance and TiO2-Ag/water provides the best temperature regulation. Novelty: This research is innovative in exploring the combined effects of TiO2-Al2O3, TiO2-Ag and TiO2-Cu nanoparticles in hybrid nanofluids for transient natural convection, which has not been previously investigated. This combined effect of nanoparticles enhances the efficiency of heat exchangers, cooling systems, renewable energy technologies, material processing, and nuclear reactor cooling systems.