Magnetohydrodynamic Heat Transfer in Non-Newtonian Fluids

Magnetohydrodynamic heat transfer in non-Newtonian fluids explores the interaction between electrically conducting complex fluids and applied magnetic fields, altering both flow and thermal fields. Non-Newtonian models—such as Casson, Maxwell and Jeffrey fluids—capture shear-dependent viscosity, viscoelasticity and yield-stress phenomena, which are pivotal in polymer processing, biomedical devices and advanced cooling technologies. The imposition of magnetic fields induces Lorentz forces that dampen momentum, reshape boundary layers and modify convective heat transport. Recent advances incorporate fractional-order derivatives to reflect memory effects and anomalous diffusion, while studies of nanoparticle suspensions and turbulent regimes seek to enhance thermal conductivity and control heat transfer rates under diverse engineering and environmental conditions.

Research from Nature Portfolio

Recent studies have derived exact analytical solutions for generalised Casson fluid flows under magnetic fields, heat sources and chemical reactions using a novel fractional-order operator with exponential kernels. These solutions, expressed in Mittag–Leffler functions, reveal how fractional parameters intensify memory effects, leading to slower velocity profiles but richer heat-transfer dynamics. Complementary foundational work on Maxwell nanofluids enriched with carbon nanotubes has demonstrated significant enhancement of free-convection heat transfer, with thermal performance modulated by nanoparticle type, Prandtl and Grashof numbers. Another key investigation into oscillatory mixed convection of Maxwell fluids over vertical plates has provided closed-form expressions for transient and steady-state components of velocity and temperature, illustrating the interplay between magnetic damping and viscoelastic relaxation.

Magnetohydrodynamic Heat Transfer in Non-Newtonian Fluids publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in magnetohydrodynamic heat transfer in non-newtonian fluids across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Magnetohydrodynamics (MHD): The study of electrically conducting fluid flow under the influence of magnetic fields.

Non-Newtonian fluid: A fluid whose viscosity varies with applied shear, exhibiting shear-thinning, shear-thickening or viscoelastic behaviour.

Casson fluid: A yield-stress model for fluids that behave as a solid until a critical stress threshold is surpassed.

Fractional derivative: A generalisation of integer-order differentiation that incorporates fluid memory and anomalous diffusion effects.

Prandtl number (Pr): The ratio of momentum diffusivity to thermal diffusivity, indicating relative thickness of velocity and thermal boundary layers.

Grashof number (Gr): A dimensionless parameter quantifying buoyancy-driven flow strength in natural convection.

Hartmann number (Ha): A dimensionless measure of magnetic field intensity relative to viscous forces in an electrically conducting fluid.

Nusselt number (Nu): The ratio of convective to conductive heat transfer across a fluid boundary layer.

References

1. Time fractional Yang–Abdel–Cattani derivative in generalized MHD Casson fluid flow with heat source and chemical reaction. Scientific Reports (2023).
2. Series solution of time-fractional mhd viscoelastic model through non-local kernel approach. Optical and Quantum Electronics (2024).
3. Heat transfer enhancement in free convection flow of CNTs Maxwell nanofluids with four different types of molecular liquids. Scientific Reports (2017).
4. A scientific report on heat transfer analysis in mixed convection flow of Maxwell fluid over an oscillating vertical plate. Scientific Reports (2017).
5. Effects of Magnetohydrodynamics Flow on Multilayer Coatings of Newtonian and Non-Newtonian Fluids through Porous Inclined Rotating Channel. Coatings (2022).