Case Studies in Thermal Engineering 28 (2021) 101640

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Case Studies in Thermal Engineering

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Combined effects of variable density and thermal radiation on

MHD Sakiadis flow
Amir Abbas a, *, Iqra Ijaz a, Muhammad Ashraf b, Hafeez Ahmad c
a
Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Faculty of Science, The University of Lahore, Sub-Campus Sargodha, Sargodha, 40100, Pakistan
b
Department of Mathematic, Faculty of Science, University of Sargodha, Sargodha, 40100, Pakistan
c
Department of Statistics, Faculty of Science, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, 61000, Pakistan

A R T I C L E I N F O A B S T R A C T

Keywords: The current research study focuses on the modelling for heat transfer and fluid flow over an
Sakiadis flow inclined moving surface (Sakiadis flow) under the impact of variable density, thermal radiation,
Variable density and magnetic field effects. A resulting model is reduced to a coupled non-linear system of ordi­
Inclined plate nary differential equations by using an appropriate similarity transformation. The governing
MHD equations of the problem are solved numerically with the help of MATLAB built-in numerical
Thermal radiation
solver bvp4c. The computed numerical results for the material properties such as velocity dis­
tribution and temperature profile at angle α = π/6 radian are represented in graphical forms. The
skin friction and the rate of heat transfer are tabulated. The principal results show that increasing
values of density variation parameter give rise to velocity profile and reduction in temperature
profile is noted. An increase in magnetic field and radiation parameter causes the reduction in
velocity distribution but augmentation in temperature profile, hence, that behavior endorses the
physical reasoning of the phenomenon. A comparison with previously published results on special
case of the problem shows excellent agreement.

1. Introduction
The study of two-dimensional, steady, and viscous fluid flow with different geometries along with thermal radiation and magnetic
field has been the attention of many researchers due to broad applications in engineering systems such as in industrial boilers, rocket
engines, thermal insulation, cooling of nuclear reactors, etc. The problem of fluid flow along a stationary, horizontal plate situated in a
fluid stream moving with constant velocity is the classical problem of fluid mechanics that has been solved first time in 1908 by Blasius
[1]. A similar problem occurs when the plate moves with constant velocity in a calm fluid. This problem has been treated for the first
time by Sakiadis [2]. Thereafter, many solutions have been obtained for different aspects of this class of boundary layer problems.
Solutions appeared including mass transfer, varying plate or stream velocity, varying plate or stream temperature, fluid injection, and
fluid suction at the plate. Cortell [3] investigated the heat and fluid flow mechanism with thermal radiation effects over a horizontal
flat plate moving with constant velocity. Soomro et al. [4] studied heat generation/absorption effects in the presence of non-linear
radiation along the stretching surface with convective boundary and slip conditions. Ramesh et al. [5] explored the fluid flow over
the inclined stationery/moving flat by taking into account the convective boundary conditions. Rashidi et al. [6] paid attention to the
process of natural convective heat and mass transfer for magnetohydrodynamic fluid flow over a permeable vertical stretching sheet in

* Corresponding author.
E-mail address: amirabbas4693@gmail.com (A. Abbas).

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.csite.2021.101640
Received 1 July 2021; Received in revised form 8 September 2021; Accepted 8 November 2021
Available online 16 November 2021
2214-157X/© 2021 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license
(http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).
A. Abbas et al. Case Studies in Thermal Engineering 28 (2021) 101640

the presence of radiation and buoyancy effects. Rashidi et al. [7] proposed the phenomenon of heat transfer of steady and incom­
pressible water-based nanofluid flow over a stretching sheet with the effects of a transverse magnetic field, thermal radiation, and
buoyancy effects. Mushtaq et al. [8] analyzed the Sakiadis flow with non-linear thermal radiation effects. The study on effects of wall
shear stress on unsteady magnetohydrodynamic flow of Newtonian fluid with conjugate effect heat and mass transfer over inclined
plate embedded in porous medium with ramped temperature was conducted by Khan et al. [9]. Sheikholesslami and Shamlooei [10]
analyzed the thermal radiations and magnetic field impacts on nanofluids’ flow. The discussion on the influence of electric and
magnetic field on nanofluid flow over moving plate of the nonuniform surface of a paraboloid of revolution was mad by Animasaun
et al. [11]. Sheikholeslami [12] scanned the non-Darcy free convection process for MHD flow in the porous medium. Sheikholeslami
and Sadoughi [13] demonstrated the impacts of MHD fluid on various shapes of nanoparticles. Sheikholeslami and Rokni [14]
analyzed the phenomenon of magnetohydrodynamic fluid flow in a cavity. The analysis on hybrid nanofluid flow in Darcy-Forcheimer
permeable medium ovr a plate due to solar radiation has been conducted in Ref. [15]. Magnetohydrodynamic free-convection flow of
rate type fluid on the porous inclined plate is encountered by Zafar [16]. Hussain et al. [17] explored the time-dependent heat
transportation of magnetohydrodynamic flow of nanofluid having nanoparticles and motile gyrotactic organisms with second-order
slip. Hayat et al. [18] confined attention to the effects of Joul heating, and viscous dissipation in the flow of nanomaterial by a
rotating disk. Ellahi et al. [19] gave the idea of MHD slip boundary layer flow along the moving plate with the influence of entropy
generation. Kumar et al. [20] predicted the boundary layer flow of magnetite nanofluid over a porous rotating disk taking into account
the influence of magnetic field and chemical reaction between the species due to Arrhenius activation energy. Kumar et al. [21]
focused their attention to the phenomenon of Karman’s radiative flow of nanofluid between two coaxial rotating disks in the presence
of heat generation and magnetic field. Seth et al. [22] performed numerical study of the mechanism of nanofluid flow in the rotating
frame by using Darcy-Forchheimer porous medium under the effect of heat generation, magnetic field and viscous dissipation. Seth
et al. [23] carried out the study of heat and mass transfer in nanofluid of Brinkman type past a stretching plate encountering the effects
of chemical reaction, magnetic field, and heat absorption. The analysis on unsteady natural convection flow in nanofluid in the porous
square cavity using local thermal non-equilibrium model has been performed by Kumar et al. [24]. Bhattacharyya et al. [25] discussed
the features of peristaltic motion of fluid in an inclined symmetric channel under the Soret, Dufour and chemical reaction effects.
In the above literature survey, fluids having constant thermophysical properties with effects of radiation and magnetic field for free,
forced and mixed convection flow with different flow conditions over the stationary, moving with constant velocity and stretching
surfaces have been embraced. There are the fluid flows in which fluid properties are considered variables. Now, the research work
based on the variables physical properties of the fluids is to be highlighted. Azam [26] threw light on the mechanism of MHD mixed
convection flow past a vertical semi-infinite moving plate with thermal radiation impact along with high-temperature difference.
Pantokratoras [27] took into account the variable fluid properties that is temperature-dependent on the classical Blasius and Sakiadis
flow over a flat plate. Guo [28] targeted numerically the diffuse interface model for the Navier-Stokes equation with variable density.
Laminar mixed convection boundary layer flow of an optically dense gray fluid in the presence of thermal radiation and variable
density is examined in Ref. [29]. Sadia et al. [30] considered the natural convection flow of radiating fluid over a horizontal circular
disk under the impact of temperature -dependent density.
In recent years, non-Newtonian fluids due to their extensive role in engineering and industrial applications have attracted the
attention of a large number of researchers. These include Reiner–Philipp off fluid, Casson fluid, Carreau fluid, micropolar fluid, Prandtl
fluid, power-law fluid, Eyring–Powell fluid, and Prandtl–Eyring fluid. Such fluids can be used in the processing of chemicals; that is
why a several researchers are investigating non-Newtonian fluids in the process of polymers and in chemical engineering. In the above-
highlighted work, Newtonian fluids with different physical conditions and physical effects were targeted due to many physical ap­
plications. However, there are non-Newtonian fluid flows that have been considered for different flow conditions with constant as well
as variable fluid properties over the stationary, moving with uniform velocity and stretching. Rana et al. [31] gave the idea to study the
free convection for non-Newtonian Casson fluids and numerically highlighted the effects of different parameters on the physical
properties of the interest. A study on magnetohydrodynamic mixed convection flow of Casson fluid over a vertical plate has been
modeled in the presence of the cross diffusion effect and nonlinear thermal radiation in Ref. [32]. Das [33] focused on magnetohy­
drodynamic micropolar fluid flow along the inclined plate under the impact of thermal radiation and chemical reaction. Kataria and
Patel [34] elaborated the unsteady MHD Casson fluid flow on an oscillating vertical plate embedded in porous medium in the presence
of soret and heat generation effects. MHD flow for free convection over a vertically inclined plate to discuss the behavior of Casson fluid
was put into account by Prasad et al. [35]. The motion of steady, laminar, and two-dimensional magnetohydrodynamic flow of
micropolar fluid along with stretching surface was numerically examined by Ramadevi et al. [36]. Idowu and Falodun [37] figured out
the influences of thermophoresis, Soret, and Dufour for inclined plate in non –Newtonian fluid. Gupta et al. [38] determined the
analytical solutions of radiative MHD Williamson fluid flow with variable thickness of a surface. Ramudu et al. [39] studied suctio­
n/injection effects on magnetohydrodynamic Casson fluid flow over a stretching surface. Rehman et al. [40] investigated numerically
the impact of buoyancy force and radiation effects on magnetohydrodynamic micropolar nanofluid fluid over a stretching sheet/­
shrinking with heat generation effects. Yousif et al. [41] monitored the magnetohydrodynamic thermal boundary layer of Carreu flow
of Cu-water nanofluid along the exponentially stretching porous sheet and solved the flow equations with shooting method with
fourth-order Runge-Kutta technique. The magnetohydrodynamic blood flow of Casson micropolar nanofluid in the heart valve by
taking variable viscosity has been tackled numerically by Elelamy et al. [42]. Muhammad et al. [43] performed the analysis of
three-dimensional Eyring-Powell nanofluid under the influence of thermal radiation, magnetic field, and Arrhenius activation energy
with modified heat and mass fluxes over a Riga plate. Alamri et al. [44] examined the impacts of magnetic field and chemical reaction
on second-grade fluid along the stretching cylinder by incorporating the Cattaneo-Christov heat flux model. Seth at al [45]. investi­
gated unsteady magnetohydrodynamic flow of Casson fluid past vertical oscillating plate embedded in non-Darcy porous medium by

2
A. Abbas et al. Case Studies in Thermal Engineering 28 (2021) 101640

Fig. 1. Physical model and flow configuration.

encountering the impacts of Newtonian heating, Joule heating, viscous dissipation, and thermo-diffusion.
From the above literature survey, it is evident no one discussed the variable density effects combined with thermal radiation on
MHD fluid flow over the inclined moving plate (Sakiadis flow). The variations of several parameters on the material properties are
analyzed and displayed graphically and in tabular forms. In the next sections, the mathematical model along with its numerical so­
lution will be presented.

2. Problem formulation
Contemplate steady, viscous, two-dimensional and incompressible fluid flow over plate that is moving with constant velocity Uw .
Further, the magnetic and radiation effects along with variable density effects are considered. A flow diagram is given below in Fig. 1 in
which x-axis is takne along the surface and y-axis is considered normal to it. The surface is heated kept at temperature Tw with the
condition Tw > T∞ . By following [3] the governing equations are given as below:
∂ ∂
(ρu) + (ρv) = 0, (1)
∂x ∂y
( )
∂u ∂u ∂ 1 ∂u g σB2o u
u +v =μ + (ρ∞ − ρ)cosα − , (2)
∂x ∂y ∂y ρ ∂y ρ ρ
( ) ( )
∂T ∂T k ∂ 1 ∂T 1 ∂ 1
u +v = − qr . (3)
∂x ∂y CP ∂y ρ ∂y CP ∂y ρ
Boundary conditions of the problem are:
u = Uw , v = 0, T = Tw at y = 0,
(4)
u → 0, T → T∞ as y → ∞.
Here, horizontal and normal velocity components are u and v respectively. The designations ρ is the variable fluid density, μ is the
dynamic viscosity, g is gravitational acceleration, T is fluid temperature, k is thermal conductivity, CP is specific heat, αis thermal
diffusivity, σ is Stefan-Boltzmann constant and B0 is magnetic field strength. Using the Roseland approximation, the radiative heat flux
in the y-direction is given as:

3
A. Abbas et al. Case Studies in Thermal Engineering 28 (2021) 101640

4σ ∂T 4
qr = − . (5)
3KR ∂y
Here,KR and σ are representing mean absorption coefficient and Stefan-Boltzmann constant, respectively. In equation (5) T4 is
expressed as a linear function of temperature and it is assumed the temperature difference within the flow. Hence, T4 is expanded in
Taylor series about T∞ and after neglecting higher order terms, we get

T4 ≈ 4T3∞ T − 3T4∞ .

So, equation (5) becomes

3
16T∞ σ ∂T
qr = − . (6)
3KR ∂y
In view of equation (6), the equation (3) becomes
( 3
) ( )
∂T ∂T k 16T∞ σ ∂ 1 ∂T
u +v = + . (7)
∂x ∂y CP 3CpKR ∂y ρ ∂y

3. Solution methodology
The non-linear partial differential equations (1)–(3) along with boundary condition (4) are reduced into coupled non-linear or­
dinary differential equations using the following stream function formulation;
( ) ∫n
U∞ √̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅ T − T∞ ρ
η= y ρdy, ψ(x, y) = νU∞ xf (η), θ(η) = , ρ = , ρ = ρ∞ e− β(T− T∞ )
. (8)
νx Tw − T∞ ρ∞
0

Here, the stream function ψ = ψ (x, y) is defined as below:

1 ∂ψ 1 ∂ψ
u= ,v = − , (9)
ρ ∂y ρ ∂x

where the continuity equation (1) is satisfied identically.

From equations (8) and (9) the following is obtained as below:
√̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅
1 νUw
(10)
′ ′
u = U∞ f , v = − [f − ηf ].
2ρ x
On substituting the above transformations, equations (2) and (3) are obtained as:
( )
1 ′′ 1 − enθ
(11)
′′′ ′ ′
ff + e− nθ f − nθ e− nθ f ′′ − λ − n
cosα − Mf enθ = 0,
2 1− e
( )
4 ( − ′ ) 1
(12)
′
1+ e nθ ′′
θ − ne− nθ
θ 2 + Prf θ = 0.
3Rd 2

Where, a prime denotes differentiation with respect to η and η is similarity variable. The function f is dimensionless stream function.
σ B20 x − n
)x3
Here, the symbols, M = ρ is magnetic field parameter, Pr = αν is Prandtl number, Grx = g(1− ve2 is Grashof number, Rex = U∞v x is local
∞ U∞
Grx kKR
Reynolds number, λ = Re2 is buoyancy parameter, Rd = 4σ T 3 is radiation parameter, andn = βΔT is density variation parameter. Here,
x ∞

equation (11) indicates that when α = 90◦ , problem discusses the case of horizontal flat plate, a vertical flat plate case is obtained when
α = 0◦ is taken, and for any other value of α between 0o and 90o plate is in inclined position. It is to mention that n cannot be taken as
zero for the present case as it is mixed convection flow. If (n = Grx = k = 0), is taken then flow is pure forced convection, hence,
presently, the density variation parameter or temperature parameter n taken as positive only. (i.e.n > 0).
The transformed boundary conditions are,
′
f (η) = 0, f (η) = 1, θ(η) = 1 at η = 0,
′ (13)
f (η) → 0, θ(η) → 0 as η → ∞.

4. Numerical solution method

The numerical solutions are obtained using the above equations 11 and 12 along with boundary conditions (13) for some values of
the governing parameters, namely, λ buoyancy parameter, density variation parameter n, Prandtl number Pr, radiation parameter Rd
and the magnetic field parameter M, at different values of angle of inclination α of the proposed geometry. The numerical computation
is done using the MATLAB built-in Numerical Solver bvp4c. In the computation η∞ = 4.0 is taken and the axis according to the clear
figure-visibility. Numerical Solver bvp4c is finite difference code that implements the three-stage Lobatoo formula. This is a collocation

4
A. Abbas et al. Case Studies in Thermal Engineering 28 (2021) 101640

Fig. 2. a–c Graphical result of (a) velocity profile (b) temperature profile for several values of density variation parameter n when Pr = 7.0, λ = 5.0, M = 1.0, and
Rd = 0.1 at α = 6π.

Fig. 3. a–b Graphical result of (a) velocity profile (b) temperature profile for several values of buoyancy parameter λ when Pr = 7.0, n = 1.0, M = 1.0 and Rd = 0.1 at
α = 6π.

formula and the collocation polynomial a C1 -continuous solution that is fourth-order accuracy uniformly in the interval of integration.
Mesh selection and error control are based in the residual of the continuous solution. The collocation technique uses a mesh of the
points to divide the interval of integration into subintervals. The solver determines a numerical solution by solving a global system of
algebraic equations resulting from the boundary conditions and the collocation condition imposed on all the subintervals. The solver
the estimates the error of the numerical solution on each subinterval. If the solution does not satisfy the tolerance criteria, the solver
adapts the mesh and repeats the process. There is the need to provide the points of the initial mesh, as well as an initial approximation
of the solution at the mesh points. The results produced with the help of this numerical method in the current work are compared with
previously published which indicate the excellent agreement between both of the results that shows accuracy and validation of the
present results.

5
A. Abbas et al. Case Studies in Thermal Engineering 28 (2021) 101640

Fig. 4. a–b Graphical result of (a) velocity profile (b) temperature profile for several values of magnetic field parameter M when Pr = 7.0, n = 1.0, λ = 5.0 and Rd =
0.1 at α = 6π.

Fig. 5. a–b Graphical result of (a) velocity profile (b) temperature profile for several values of Prandtl number Pr when M = 1.0, n = 1.0, λ = 5.0 and Rd = 0.1 at α =
6.
π

5. Results and discussion

In this section, it will be elaborated the physical effects of pertinent parameters such as density variation parameter n, buoyancy
parameter λ, magnetic field parameter M, Prandtl number Pr, radiation parameter Rd , and angle of inclination α on physical quantities
like velocity and temperature profiles together with their derivatives that is the skin friction and the rate of heat transfer. Graphs and
tabular results for physical quantities which are mentioned above are displayed for the several values of involved parameters. The
parameters defined here in this study are ranged as an appropriate choice for the justification of current purpose. In whole study for Pr
= 7.0 (fluid is water) numerical results are computed. The density variation parameter is taken as n > 0 and n ≤ 3 (mixed convection
case), magnetic field parameter M is taken in between 1.0 and 4.0, radiation parameter Rd is fixed in the range 0.1–3.0 at angle of
inclination α = 6π (inclined plate) (see Fig. 1).

5.1. Effect of dimensionless parameters on velocity profile and temperature profile

Fig. 2a–b shows the impact of n on velocity profile f (η) and temperature profile θ(η) while taking other dimensionless parameters to
′

be fixed. The graphical results are indicating that the velocity profile shows an increase in its values due to an increase in density
variation parameter n. The maximum value of the velocity profile is obtained at n = 3.0 while the minimum value is obtained as n → 0

6
A. Abbas et al. Case Studies in Thermal Engineering 28 (2021) 101640

Fig. 6. a–b Graphical result of (a) velocity profile (b) temperature profile for several values of inclination angle α when M = 1.0, n = 1.0, λ = 5.0, Pr = 7.0, and.Rd =
0.1

Fig. 7. a–b Graphical result of (a) velocity profile (b) temperature profile for several values of Prandtl number Pr when M = 1.0, n = 1.0, λ = 5.0 and Rd = 0.1 at α =
6.
π

in the flow domain. Fig. 2b indicates temperature distribution is reduced for increasing values of n. The maximum and minimum
magnitudes for θ(η) are obtained at n → 0 and n = 3.0 respectively. It is clear from the physical point of view that as n increases so due
to high temperature difference and more thermal expansion fluid becomes less dense causing the molecules to move easily. Therefore,
fluid flow pic the pace leading the enhancement in velocity profile. It is important to point out that as density decreases due to increase
in n, the thermal interaction between the molecules becomes weak which causes the weak transfer of energy hence, temperature curves
get declined. Fig. 3a–b are displaying the behavior of fluid velocity and temperature for increasing values of buoyancy parameter λ.
From the graphs it is evident that there is enhancement in velocity field and reduction is occurring in temperature distribution. Physics
of this phenomena is indicating that increase in buoyancy parameter λ in the fluid flow domain that reduces the retardation in the
course of fluid flow hence increases the velocity distribution. Graphs plotted in Fig. 4a–b highlights the features of f (η) and θ(η) under
′

the effects of magnetic field parameter M when rest of parameters are restrained at their fixed values. Plots signifies that there is inverse
relation between magnetic field parameter and velocity field that is as M is increased velocity goes down and vice versa. From Fig. 4b it
is concluded that there is direct relation between M and temperature distribution. This behavior of above said quantities endorses the
physical reasoning that as magnetic field is increased more strong Lorentz force is produced that creates the resistance with in the fluid
flow domain leading to reduce the velocity distribution and enhancement in the temperature profile. The greatest values of velocity
and temperature profiles are accomplished at M = 1.0and M = 4.0 respectively. In Fig. 5a–b the effects of several values of Prandtl

7
A. Abbas et al. Case Studies in Thermal Engineering 28 (2021) 101640

Table 1
Comparison of the present numerical results for skin friction with previously published.

Similarity variable Present Cortell [3]

η − f (0)
′′
− f ′′ (0)
0.0 0.4437484 0.4437473
0.1 0.4426567 0.4426557
0.2 0.4394629 0.4394617
0.3 0.4343080 0.4343068
0.4 0.4273551 0.4273539

Table 2
π
Numerical Results for (a) f ′′ (0) and (b) θ (0)for diverse values n, when Pr = 7.0 λ = 5.0, α = , Rd = 3.0, M = 1.0.
′

6
n f ′′ (0) ′
θ (0)

n→0 0.76259 0.93373

n = 4.01546 1.29394
1.0
n = 14.85607 1.87278
2.0
n = 48.89433 2.78571
3.0

Table 3
π
Numerical Results for (a) f ′′ (0)and (b) θ (0) for diverse values λ, when Pr = 7.0.λ = 5.0, α = , Rd = 0.1, M = 1.0, n = 1.0
′

6
λ f ′′ (0) ′
θ (0)

1.0 1.03570 2.19421

3.0 0.62941 2.35832
5.0 2.14917 2.48193
7.0 3.57582 2.58346

Table 4
π
Numerical Results for (a) f ′′ (0)and (b) θ (0) for diverse values M, when Pr = 7.0.λ = 5.0, α = , Rd = 0.1, n = 1.0
′

6
M f ′′ (0) ′
θ (0)

0.1 3.53627 2.63150

1.0 2.14917 2.48193
2.0 0.95644 2.35366
3.0 0.04575 2.24609

number Pr on already mentioned properties is demonstrated. The plot 5a is indicating that the fall in the value of f (η) is seen as Pr is
′

raised. A highest magnitude for f (η) is secured for Pr = 0.1 and bottom value is executed for Pr = 7.0. Fig. 5b flashes out that downfall
′

in temperature is observed owing to rise the values of Prandtl number Pr. Very interestingly the behavior of the velocity and tem­
perature profiles is according to the science of the Prandtl number that is as Pr rises viscous force increases causing the decline in
velocity field. As Pr is enhanced the heat transfer due the thermal diffusion is reduced hence temperature of the fluid flow domain
reduces due to low thermal conductance of the fluid. Fig. 6a–b shows the physical behavior of velocity profile and temperature profile
for diverse values of angle of inclination α when the rest of parameters are restrained at their fixed values. It is easily suggested from the
plot that the velocity profile shows the decrement owing to increase in α. Other side of picture of phenomenon reflects that temperature
shows the reverse behavior for similar variations in assorted parameters. The highest and lowest magnitudes for temperature profile
are yielded for α = π/2 and α = 0.0 respectively bur for velocity is opposite of it. The physical effects of radiation parameter Rd on
above mentioned unknown properties is demonstrated in Fig. 7a–b. The plots show that there is rise in velocity profile with the rise in
the values of Rd and the same attitude of temperature profile is noticed for the similar variations. This is physically true that the
inclusion of thermal radiation in flow model enhances the temperature of fluid flow domain. It is due increase in the thermal
conductance of an electrically conducting optically dense gray fluid. The increase in the temperature of the fluid gives birth to
reduction in the viscosity of the fluid, hence velocity increases. From all the plotted graphs for profiles of velocity and temperature, it is
evident that all the graphs are accordance with the given boundary conditions in flow model and showing well asymptotic behavior.

8
A. Abbas et al. Case Studies in Thermal Engineering 28 (2021) 101640

Table 5
π
Numerical Results for (a) f ′′ (0)and (b) θ (0) for diverse values Pr, when.λ = 5.0, α = , Rd = 0.1, n = 1.0, M = 1.0
′

6
Pr f ′′ (0) ′
θ (0)

0.1 1.71127 0.34954

2.0 0.72826 1.20922
5.0 0.16849 1.89779
7.0 0.04575 2.24609

Table 6
Numerical Results for (a) f ′′ (0) and (b) θ (0) for diverse values α, when Pr = 7.0.M = 5.0, Rd = 0.1, λ = 5.0, n = 1.0
′

α f ′′ (0) ′
θ (0)

0.0 9.07800 1.09186

π 7.99068 1.06367
6
π 6.62017 1.02579
4
π − 0.68429 0.74856
2

Table 7
π
Numerical Results for (a) f ′′ (0)and (b) θ (0) for diverse values of Rd , when Pr = 7.0.λ = 5.0, α = , M = 1.0, n = 1.0
′

6
Rd f ′′ (0) ′
θ (0)

0.1 7.99068 1.06367

1.0 9.37568 0.83599
2.0 10.10214 0.73489
3.0 10.52001 0.68113

5.2. Effect of dimensionless parameters on skin friction and the rate of heat transfer
Table 1 is showing the comparison of the present results with existing results. From the results it is observed that there is good
agreement between both of results which is showing the accuracy and validation of the present results. Table 2 shows the numerical
results obtained for the skin friction f ′′ (0) and the rate of heat transfer θ (0) for diverse values of density variation parameter n at the
′

leading edge. It has been noticed that whenever there is an enhancement in the n, correspondingly there is ultimate increase in the skin
friction and the rate of heat transfer. Table 3 illustrates the behavior of already mentioned physical properties for buoyancy parameter.
It is seen from the computed data that skin friction shows the absurd behavior while heat transfer rate θ (0) is increasing by enhancing
′

of λ. It is true that by increasing the values λ temperature difference increases so transfer of heat increase. Table 4 depicting the
numerical results for f ′′ (0) and θ (0) for different values of magnetic field parameter M. It is deduced from the solution that the skin
′

friction and the rate of heat transfer is decreased as M is augmented. Table 5 highlights the behavior of f ′′ (0) and θ (0) for variations of
′

Pr. Results show that there is fall in values of skin friction and but the rise in the rate of heat transfer for augmenting values of Pr.
Table 6 is displayed for different angle of inclination α for the skin friction and the rate of heat transfer. It is concluded the from the
results that there is rise and fall in f ′′ (0) and θ (0) is decreasing. Table 7 is showing the results for skin friction and the rate of heat
′

transfer for diverse values of Rd . It is analyzed the computed results that there is increment in skin friction and decrement is indicated
in the rate of heat transfer.

6. Conclusion
In present study attention is confined on the combined effects of variable density and thermal radiation on MHD Sakiadis flow. The
flow geometry is inclined moving plate that is kept at temperature Tw having greater than the temperature of the free stream T∞ . The
mathematical model of the proposed phenomenon in terms of partial differential equations is reduced to nonlinear coupled ordinary
differential equations. The similar transformed flow model is solved with the help of Built-in Numerical Solver bvp4c. The obtained
numerical solutions of the unknown material properties are plotted and tabulated. It is concluded as density variation parameter is
enhanced the velocity profile is increased and temperature profile is declined. It is seen as Prandtl number rises then profiles of velocity
and temperature are reduced. By the augmentation of the Pr the flow velocity is reduced it is because as there are assigned larger values
to Pr, the viscosity of the fluid gets stronger which retards the motion of fluid and temperature decreases due to resulting reduced
thermal conductance. It is inferred from the results that as magnetic field parameter is enhanced velocity goes down and temperature
distribution is strengthened. The increasing values of radiation parameter results in rise in velocity and temperature of the fluid flow
domain which justifies the purpose the inclusion of thermal radiation in the flow model. The current results are compared with the

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A. Abbas et al. Case Studies in Thermal Engineering 28 (2021) 101640

existing ones which show the good agreement between them, that endorses the validation of present results.

Declaration of competing interest

The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to
influence the work reported in this paper.

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