Precision optimization of reactive squeezing flow in stratified fluids: A response surface exploration

Chemically reactive squeezing flows play a crucial role in various industrial and engineering processes, such as in polymer manufacturing, chemical reactors, and biofluid mechanics, where precise control over fluid behavior is essential for optimizing product quality and efficiency. Current study has focused on the chemically reactive squeezing fluid flow through a non-Darcy medium due to a stretching surface, employing response surface methodology. This research investigates the heat and mass transfer processes under convective conditions and non-linear stratification, with an emphasis on enhancing heat transfer through the incorporation of radiation effects. The non-linear governing system is solved numerically using the Runge–Kutta fourth-order method (RK-4) combined with the shooting technique. Critical parameter variations are illustrated through graphical representations, highlighting their impact on the relevant fields. The Nusselt number, Sherwood number, and skin friction coefficient are computed numerically for various parameter settings. Additionally, a comprehensive statistical analysis is conducted, utilizing the correlation coefficient and probable error to assess the influence of governing input variables on the output parameters of interest. The study also includes a sensitivity analysis, revealing that the sensitivities of the heat transport rate to the radiation parameter and thermal stratification parameter increase with higher Biot numbers. The high R2 and R2−adj values, being close to unity, indicate that the proposed model demonstrates a robust empirical relationship between the responses and independent factors for both local Nusselt and Sherwood numbers.