Numerical Analysis of Magnetohydrodynamics Hybrid Nanofluid Flow Past an Infinite Vertical Plate in Presence of Thermal Radiation

Abstract

This study investigates magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) flow and heat transfer of a Cu–Al₂O₃/water hybrid nanofluid past an infinitely vertical plate, motivated by applications in energy generation, industrial cooling, and biomedical systems. Governing equations were reduced via similarity transformations and solved numerically using the shooting method with a fourth‑order Runge–Kutta scheme in MATLAB. Results show that buoyancy and radiation parameters accelerate the boundary‑layer flow, increasing skin friction and Nusselt number, while stronger magnetic fields suppress velocity due to Lorentz damping. Higher Prandtl numbers enhance heat transfer but thin the thermal boundary layer, reducing wall shear. Radiation decreases the Nusselt number yet increases skin friction, while nanoparticle volume fraction strengthens temperature fields. Entropy generation analysis highlights the competing roles of viscous dissipation and heat transfer irreversibility. Magnetic and Brinkman numbers intensify entropy production and weaken thermodynamic efficiency, whereas the temperature‑difference parameter reduces entropy generation and raises the Bejan number. Radiation elevates both entropy generation and Bejan number. Comparative evaluation shows Cu–water producing the highest entropy generation, Al₂O₃–water the lowest, and the hybrid nanofluid maintaining intermediate values, demonstrating balanced thermal conductivity and viscosity. The hybrid nanofluid offers a balanced performance, improving heat transfer while limiting entropy generation, and thus holds promise for efficient energy utilisation in magnetohydrodynamic and radiative systems.