Importance of Darcy–Forchheimer porous medium in 3D convective flow of carbon nanotubes

Abstract

This article explores Darcy–Forchheimer 3D flow of water-based carbon nanomaterial (CNTs). A bi-directional linear stretchable surface has been used to create the flow. Flow in porous space is represented by Darcy–Forchheimer expression. Heat transfer mechanism is explored through convective heating. Results for single-wall (SWCNTs) and multi-wall (MWCNTs) carbon nanotubes have been presented and compared. The reduction of partial differential system into nonlinear ordinary differential system is made through suitable variables. Optimal homotopic scheme is used for solutions development of governing flow problem. Optimal homotopic solution expressions for velocities and temperature are studied through graphs by considering various estimations of physical variables. Skin friction coefficients and local Nusselt number are analyzed through plots. Our findings show that the skin friction coefficients and local Nusselt number are enhanced for larger values of nanoparticles volume fraction.