Computational modeling of thermal radiation and activation energy effects in Casson nanofluid flow with bioconvection and microorganisms over a disk

Abstract

Ensuring sustained thermal propagation is a crucial role in many industrial and thermal systems since it facilitates the improvement of the efficiency of thermal engineering engines and machinery. Therefore, the usage of magnetized nanoparticles in a heat-carrying non-Newtonian fluid is a promising development for the enhancement of thermal power energy. This paper uniquely contributes by comprehensively analyzing heat and mass transfer characteristics in a Casson nanofluid subjected to bioconvection over a disk. The study also explores in detail the interaction of gyrotactic microorganisms, and activation energy in the system. Similarity transformations have been used to make the governing partial differential equations (PDEs) dimensionless, which has then transformed them into ordinary differential equations. The solution method has utilized the Shooting technique combined with the Bvp4c solver in MATLAB. Graphs have been drawn to explain the different parameters of the flow; also, other engineering quantities, like motile microbes density and Sherwood numbers, have been calculated and are represented graphically. Furthermore, the interplay of mixed convection, buoyancy ratio, bioconvection Rayleigh constant, and resistivity due to magnetization significantly influences the distribution of velocity in the Casson nanofluid. Remarkably, parameters that characterize the motile microorganism profile significantly attenuate said profile; therefore, they play a very important role in shaping the system dynamics. The application of bioconvection phenomena spans diverse fields, ranging from healthcare and environmental monitoring to agriculture and renewable energy, offering innovative solutions to address complex challenges. © 2024