Publication

Abstract : Purpose The purpose of this paper is to study the steady biomagnetic hybrid nanofluid (HNF) of oxytactic microorganisms taking place over a thin needle with a magnetic field using the modified Buongiorno’s nanoliquid model. Design/methodology/approach On applying the appropriate similarity transformations, the governing partial differential equations were transformed into a set of ordinary differential equations. These equations have been then solved numerically using Runge–Kutta–Fehlberg method of fourth–fifth order programming in MAPLE software. Features of the velocity profiles, temperature distribution, reduced skin friction coefficient, reduced Nusselt number and microorganisms’ flux, for different values of the governing parameters were analyzed and discussed. Findings It was observed that as the needle thickness and solid volume fraction increase, the temperature rises, but the velocity field decreases. For a higher Peclet number, the motile microorganism curve increases, and for a higher Schmidt number, the concentration curve rises. Originality/value On applying the modified Buongiorno’s model, the present results are original and new for the study of HNF flow and heat transfer past a permeable thin needle.