Electrohydrodynamic and Double Diffusive Convection of Casson Fluid in a Symmetric Tapered Channel

Abstract

Abstract. Motivated by the advancement of industrial micropumping mechanisms employing multifunctional materials, this work presents an analytical examination of peristaltic flow of physiological fluids with complex rheology when modeled as non-Newtonian Casson fluid in a 2D symmetric nonuniform (tapered) channel, considering combined effects of electro-osmotic flow, internal heat generation, and double diffusive convection. The mathematical model integrates the momentum, energy, and concentration equations, considering electrokinetic, Joule (Ohmic) heating, and cross-coupling effects between mass and heat transfer through the Dufour parameter. Employing long wavelength and low Reynolds number approximation, an efficient analytical approach is utilized to simplify and solve the governing equations. To ensure accuracy and establish credibility, the resulting analytical solutions are validated against prior studies. Graphs are plotted using DSolve command of Mathematica 12.3 to visualize the impacts of key parameters such as thermal and solute Grashof number, Casson fluid parameter, electrical field, heat source parameter, and Prandtl number on temperature, velocity, volumetric flowrate, concentration, and trapping phenomena. The findings reveal that temperature gradients, solute buoyancy forces, and electrokinetic effects have a considerable impact on fluid acceleration, heat accumulation, solute migration, and bolus dynamics. The results offer novel insights for refining the framework of cutting-edge thermal control and microfluidic pumping systems, with potential applications in industrial and medical contexts.