The modified finite element method for heat and mass transfer of unsteady reacting flow with mixed convection

Abstract

This study reveals the extension of a mathematical model of heat and mass transfer of fluid flow over a sheet by incorporating the effect of non-linear mixed convection. The governing equations of flow phenomena are expressed as partial differential equations (PDEs). Similarity transformations are employed to get a dimensionless set of boundary value problems. Most of the existing relevant literature employed some solver to solve a set of differential equations, but this study implements the finite element method to tackle the boundary value problems. The employed finite element method is based on the Galerkin approach. For verifications of the obtained results, a set of linear and non-linear boundary value problems is also solved with Matlab solver bvp4c. The results are displayed in graphs by varying Grashof number, modified (solutal) Grashof number, non-linear convection parameters in heat and mass transfer, radiation parameter, Prandtl number, Schmidt number, and reaction rate parameter. Also, numerical values for the friction at the wall and local Nusselt and Sherwood numbers are given in tables. The problem in PDEs form is also solved with software that implements the finite element method to solve problems. The simulations are also provided, which is the outcome of the software. It is shown that the velocity profile escalates by growing values of thermal and solutal Grashof numbers. Problem-solving techniques from this study may be used in future research to address other unsolved heat transfer fluid physics issues.