Investigation on variable properties in thermo-electroosmotic peristaltic flow

Abstract

Accurate modeling and optimization in many technical and biological applications depend on an awareness of the complex link between temperature-dependent viscosity and thermal conductivity. Focusing on how temperature fluctuations affect fluid characteristics and system performance, this work explores the electromechanical propulsion of non-Newtonian fluids in a symmetric sinusoidal channel. Under lubrication assumptions and Debye-Huckel linearizing, the mathematical model combines equations for continuity, Poisson, energy, momentum, concentration, and electric potential. Variations in temperature conditions clearly influence flow dynamics, heat transfer rates, pressure gradients, and general system efficiency according to analytical solutions to the ensuing nonlinear partial differential equations. Especially, increasing the Weissenberg number improves the heat transfer coefficient; greater Helmholtz-Smoluchowski velocities raise the pressure gradient profile. Furthermore, in the absence of Helmholtz–Smoluchowski effects, streamlines remain symmetric and smooth; nevertheless, their presence causes significant changes in streamline patterns. These results show the need of considering temperature-dependent fluid characteristics in practical applications as they offer insightful information for the design and optimization of electroosmotic systems and peristaltic pumps.