International Journal of Numerical Methods for Heat & Fluid Flow | 2021
Magnetohydrodynamic bioconvection of oxytactic microorganisms in porous media saturated with Cu–water nanofluid
Abstract
\nPurpose\nThe purpose of this study is to address magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) bioconvection caused by the swimming of oxytactic microorganisms in a linearly heated square cavity filled with porous media and Cu–water nanofluid. The effects of different multiphysical aspects are demonstrated using local distributions as well as global quantities for fluid flow, temperature, oxygen concentration and microorganisms population.\n\n\nDesign/methodology/approach\nThe coupled transport equations are converted into the nondimensional partial differential equations, which are solved numerically using a finite volume-based computing code. The flow of Cu–water nanofluid through the pores of porous media is formulated following the Brinkman–Forchheimer–Darcy model. The swimming of oxytactic microorganisms is handled following a continuum model.\n\n\nFindings\nThe analysis of transport phenomena of bioconvection is performed in a linearly heated porous enclosure containing Cu–water nanofluid and oxytactic microorganisms under the influence of magnetic fields. The application of such a system could have potential impacts in diverse fields of engineering and science. The results show that the flow and temperature distribution along with the isoconcentrations of oxygen and microorganisms is markedly affected by the involved governing parameters.\n\n\nResearch limitations/implications\nSimilar study of bioconvection could be extended further considering thermal radiation, chemical attraction, gravity and light.\n\n\nPractical implications\nThe outcomes of this investigation could be used in diverse fields of multiphysical applications, such as in food industries, chemical processing equipment, fuel cell technology and enhanced oil recovery.\n\n\nOriginality/value\nThe insight of the linear heating profile reveals a special attribute of simultaneous heating and cooling zones along the heated side. With such an interesting feature, the MHD bioconvection of oxytactic microorganisms in nanofluid-filled porous substance is not reported so far.\n