Numerical investigation of magnetized bioconvection and heat transfer in a cross-ternary hybrid nanofluid over a stretching cylinder

Purpose In this study, we investigate the effects of an extended ternary hybrid Tiwari and Das nanofluid model on ethylene glycol flow, with a focus on heat transfer. Using the Cross non-Newtonian fluid model, we explore the heat transfer characteristics of this unique fluid in various applications such as pharmaceutical solvents, vaccine preservatives, and medical imaging techniques. Design/methodology/approach Our investigation reveals that the flow of this ternary hybrid nanofluid follows a laminar Cross model flow pattern, influenced by heat radiation and occurring around a stretched cylinder in a porous medium. We apply a non-similarity transformation to the nonlinear partial differential equations, converting them into non-dimensional PDEs. These equations are subsequently solved as ordinary differential equations (ODEs) using MATLAB’s bvp4c tools. In addition, the magnetic number in this study spans from 0 to 5, volume fraction of nanoparticles varies from 5% to 10%, and Prandtl number for EG as 204. This approach allows us to examine the impact of temperature on heat transfer and distribution within the fluid. Findings Graphical depictions illustrate the effects of parameters such as the Weissenberg number, porous parameter, Schmidt number, thermal conductivity parameter, Soret number, magnetic parameter, Eckert number, Lewis number, and Peclet number on velocity, temperature, concentration, and microorganism profiles. Our results highlight the significant influence of thermal radiation and ohmic heating on heat transmission, particularly in relation to magnetic and Darcy parameters. A higher Lewis number corresponds to faster heat diffusion compared to mass diffusion, while increases in the Soret number are associated with higher concentration profiles. Additionally, rapid temperature dissipation inhibits microbial development, reducing the microbial profile. Originality/value The numerical analysis of skin friction coefficients and Nusselt numbers in tabular form further validates our approach. Overall, our findings demonstrate the effectiveness of our numerical technique in providing a comprehensive understanding of flow and heat transfer processes in ternary hybrid nanofluids, offering valuable insights for various practical applications.