Impact of axial electric and inclined magnetic fields on tri-hybrid nanofluid through an electroosmotic flexible pump for biomedical microfluidic devices

Abstract

The advancement of microfluidic technology has opened new frontiers in biomedical applications, necessitating efficient fluid transport mechanisms at microscale dimensions. Among various techniques, electroosmotic pumping stands out due to its ability to provide precise and non-mechanical fluid control, which is crucial for lab-on-chip and organ-on-chip devices. However, optimizing flow characteristics in such systems remains a significant challenge, especially when employing advanced working fluids like tri-hybrid nanofluids. This study investigates the influence of axial electric and inclined magnetic fields on the behavior of a tri-hybrid nanofluid (comprising aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃), molybdenum disulfide ($\text{Mo}{S}_2$), copper ($\text{Cu}$) nanoparticles) in an electroosmotic flexible microchannel pump. The influence of an inclined magnetic field and thermal radiation on cilia‑modulated slip flow is explored. The flow is assumed to be a two-dimensional, unsteady pumping motion influenced by an axially applied electric field. The Chebyshev Collocation Spectral Method (CCSM) is employed to solve the governing equations numerically with the help of the MATHEMATICA software. Results reveal that the ternary-hybrid nanofluid (THNFs) exhibit 11 % greater thermal transport efficiency than hybrid nanofluids and mono nanofluids, indicating their greater thermal performance. Furthermore, the combined effects of ohmic heating and electroosmotic parameters significantly enhance the fluid temperature. These outcomes highlight the significance of THNFs in increasing thermal transport efficiency in micro/nanofluidic devices.