Flow and heat transfer of a micropolar fluid sandwiched between viscous fluid layers

Abstract

In the present analysis, a two-fluid model for blood flow through a horizontal channel is studied. The model essentially consists of a core region assumed to be a micropolar fluid and two viscous (Newtonian) fluid regions. Using the boundary and interface conditions proposed by Ariman et al. (J. Appl. Mech. ASME, 41, 1 (1974)), analytical expressions for velocity, microrotation velocity, and temperature are obtained. The solutions are also evaluated numerically and shown graphically for various governing parameters such as the material parameter, viscosity ratio, conductivity ratio, Eckert and Prandtl numbers on velocity, microrotation velocity, and temperature profiles. In addition, results for the rate of heat transfer, mass flow rate, and skin friction for different values of the physical parameters are presented in tabular form. It is found that effect of the material parameter is to suppress the flow and the viscosity ratio promotes the flow. It is also interesting to note that the material parameter and viscosity ratio affect the position of the point of flow separation for which the flow nature is reversed. Also, considering the solvent viscosity for air, water, and glycerin, the cell rotation on the flow has been tabulated for 0%, 20%, and 40% concentration. © 2008 NRC Canada.