Investigation of double-diffusive mixed convective flow of water-based Brinkman-type hybrid nanofluid utilizing a fractal fractional approach

Abstract

Nanofluids play a crucial role in enhancing the thermal performance of various engineering and industrial applications, particularly in manufacturing and chemical processes. Similarly, porous materials are essential in chemical engineering and plasma physics, contributing to advancements in heat and mass transfer. However, the study of Brinkman-type fluid flow in a porous channel under varying thermal and mass flux conditions remains largely unexplored. This research develops a computational model to analyze the unsteady flow of Brinkman-type hybrid nanofluids within a porous channel confined by two plates. The model incorporates fractional derivatives to offer a more generalized perspective on thermal and mass flux behavior under the influence of an inclined magnetic field. Two hybrid nanofluids, with water and kerosene oil as base fluids mixed with Cu and TiO₂ nanoparticles, are examined. The fractional fractal derivatives (FFD) approach is utilized to extend the governing equations for velocity and thermal flux. These equations are transformed into non-dimensional forms and solved using the Laplace transform method, with the Stehfest and Tzou techniques applied for inversion. The parametric analysis reveals that increasing the Brinkman-type restriction significantly influences fluid velocity, enabling better control over flow behavior. The fractional derivative approach provides deeper insights into the interaction between thermal and mass fluxes in hybrid nanofluids. This study contributes valuable knowledge for optimizing heat and mass transfer in various engineering and industrial applications.