Magnetohydrodynamic Peristaltic Flow of Non-Newtonian Nanofluids in an Asymmetric Channel with Heat and Mass Transfer: Analytical and Numerical Solutions

Abstract

This study investigates the magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) peristaltic flow of a non-Newtonian nanofluid in an asymmetric channel under the influence of heat and mass transfer. The fluid is modeled using the Casson rheological model to account for yield stress effects, while the Buongiorno nanofluid model incorporates Brownian motion and thermophoresis. The governing equations are simplified under long-wavelength and low-Reynolds-number approximations and solved analytically using perturbation methods and numerically via the finite element method. The effects of key parameters such as the Hartmann number, Casson parameter, Grashof number, Soret number, and thermophoretic diffusion are analyzed on velocity, temperature, nanoparticle concentration, pressure rise, and trapping phenomena. Results indicate that increasing the magnetic field strength reduces flow velocity but enhances temperature distribution due to Joule heating. The Casson parameter significantly alters the yield stress behavior, while thermophoresis and Brownian motion critically influence nanoparticle migration. This work has applications in biomedical engineering, particularly in drug delivery systems and hyperthermia treatment.

Keywords: MHD, Peristaltic flow, Non-Newtonian fluid, Nanofluid, Heat and mass transfer, Asymmetric channel, Casson model.