Dynamics of nanoparticle diameter and solid–liquid interfacial layer on the Al2O3–H2O nanofluid flow over a uni-directional extending heated surface: a numerical analysis

Alumina stands out as a highly prevalent ceramic material in contemporary applications. Serving as a prime illustration of an electrical insulator, alumina boasts superior temperature resistance, chemical stability, and enhanced thermal conductivity. Its useful effectiveness spans extends to various sectors including medicine, industry, household products, as well as the manufacturing of electrical components and batteries. Considering these important applications, this study develops a mathematical framework to analyze MHD mixed convective three-dimensional nanofluid flow incorporating alumina nanoparticles over an extending surface. Initial assumptions constrain the nanofluid flow to exhibit rotation. A significant aspect of this study revolves around examining the impact of nanoparticle size and nanolayer characteristics on the nanofluid and highlighting its innovative contribution. The modeled equations have been evaluated numerically by using bvp4c MATLAB command. It is concluded that the higher magnetic factor augments the thermal distribution and secondary velocity distribution while retards the primary velocity distribution. Upsurge in rotation factor has augmenting impact on thermal distribution while it has retarding impacts on primary and secondary velocity distributions. Escalation in empirical factor causes augmentation in the primary velocity and temperature distributions while it retards the secondary velocity distribution. It is also noticed that growth in Nusselt number is greater in case of escalation of nanolayer in comparison of upsurge in nanoparticles’ diameter. The results of this work have also been confirmed with available results in the literature through a comparative analysis.