Three-Dimensional Swirling Flow of Nanofluid with Nanoparticle Aggregation Kinematics Using Modified Krieger–Dougherty and Maxwell–Bruggeman Models: A Finite Element Solution

The current study explores a three-dimensional swirling flow of titania–ethylene glycol-based nanofluid over a stretchable cylinder with torsional motion. The heat transfer process is explored subject to heat source/sink. Here, titania–ethylene glycol–water-based nanofluid is used. The Maxwell–Bruggeman models for thermal conductivity and modified Krieger–Dougherty models for viscosity are employed to scrutinize the impact of nanoparticle aggregation. A mathematical model based on partial differential equations (PDEs) is developed to solve the flow problem. Following that, a similarity transformation is performed to reduce the equations to ordinary differential equations (ODEs), which are then solved using the finite element method. It has been proven that nanoparticle aggregation significantly increases the temperature field. The results reveal that the rise in Reynolds number improves the heat transport rate, whereas an increase in the heat source/sink parameter value declines the heat transport rate. Swirling flows are commonly found in many industrial processes such as combustion, mixing, and fluidized bed reactors. Studying the behavior of nanofluids in these flows can lead to the development of more efficient and effective industrial processes.