Electro-osmotic peristaltic streaming of a fractional second-grade viscoelastic nanofluid with single and multi-walled carbon nanotubes in a ciliated tube
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Mathematical modeling of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in biological fluids is essential for drug delivery, biosensing, and targeted therapy. This study explores the transport dynamics of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) based nanofluids under electro-osmotic peristaltic flow influenced by ciliary motion. A microfluidic channel lined with cilia, hair-like structures found in human airways and reproductive tracts, is considered. The coordinated beating of cilia generates a wavelike motion that propels the surrounding biological fluid. When an electric field is applied across the channel, electro-osmotic forces further modify the flow, affecting velocity and temperature distribution. A nanofluid, consisting of CNTs suspended in a base fluid, flows through this cilia-driven microchannel. The transport process is governed by electro-osmosis, heat transfer, and thermal radiation effects, with simplifications based on long-wavelength and low Reynolds number assumptions. The Caputo fractional model and Debye–Hückel linearization are used to analyze the interaction between electro-osmotic forces and thermal-mechanical effects. The results reveal that the negative Helmholtz-Smoluchowski parameter ( U h s ) reduces the axial velocity in the core whereas it increases in the periphery of the channel, while the opposite trend is observed for positive U h s . Longer cilia ( β ) and higher electro-osmotic parameter ( m ) slow the core flow while accelerating peripheral transport. Thermal effects indicate that an increased heat source ( B ) raises temperature and axial velocity, whereas a higher nanotube volume fraction ( ϕ ) enhances axial velocity but reduces temperature. Notably, M W C N T s exhibit superior axial velocity and temperature enhancement compared to SWCNTs. These outcomes provide valuable insights into electro-osmotic cilia-driven nanofluid transport, offering a theoretical foundation for optimizing microfluidic and biomedical applications.
Source: Results in Engineering
Language: English
Subfield: Biomedical Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,940
OpenAlex ID: W4409052703