Bioconvection of a Newtonian Nanofluid Over a Vertical Plate in Presence of Gyrotactic Microorganisms
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Date
2019-12
Authors
Kibe, John Ngugi
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kenyatta University
Abstract
Bioconvection induced by gyrotactic microorganisms in a Newtonian nanofluid past a
permeable vertical plate is studied. Addition of motile microorganisms to a suspension of
nanoparticles in a basefluid enhances mass transfer and mixing in most microsystems in
addition to the enhancement of the convectional properties of the nanofluid. This concept has
solved many heating problems in various areas including civil engineering, chemical
engineering and mechanical engineering. The present study looks into the movement of
motile microorganisms present in a nanofluid over a vertical plate for purposes of saving
energy through the enhancement of heat transfer. The objectives are to formulate and solve
the mathematical equations governing bioconvection of a Newtonian Nanofluid flow along a
vertical plate, investigate the effects of gyrotactic microorganisms on the temperature and
velocity and temperature profiles of the nanofluid and to analyse the effects of nanoparticles
on microorganisms concentration, temperature and velocity profile. Ordinary differential
equations are obtained from the governing partial differential equations by use of similarity
variables. To numerically solve the ODE’s, the Runge-Kutta Ferhlberg method is used with
the shooting technique. Further, an investigation on the effects of controlling parameters on
several numbers and dimensionless quantities of our interest. It is found that the Nusselt
Number, the Sherwood Number and Skin Friction are strongly affected by nanofluid and
bioconvection parameters
Description
A research project submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in applied mathematics in the school of pure and applied sciences of Kenyatta University. December, 2019
Keywords
Bioconvection, Newtonian Nanofluid, Vertical Plate, Presence, Gyrotactic Microorganisms