Membrane-driven flow and heat transfer of viscoelastic fluids: MHD and entropy generation analysis

Purpose The complex behavior of viscoelastic fluids and its flow analysis under the impact of transverse magnetic field are becoming increasingly important in numerous emerging applications including biomedical engineering, aerospace engineering, geophysics and industrial applications. Additionally, the thermal analysis and fluid flow driven by propagating membranes will aid significant applications for microscale transport in bio-thermal systems. This study aims to investigate the thermal effects of viscoelastic fluids driven by membrane-induced propagation and transverse magnetic field. Design/methodology/approach The propagation of the membranes will work as pump which pushes the fluids from bottom to top against the gravitation force; however, there is backflow due to compression and expansion phases of membrane propagation. The Jeffrey fluid model is employed to analyze the viscoelastic fluid flow, with entropy generation examined and equations solved analytically under low Reynolds number and long-wavelength assumptions. Findings The findings reveal that an increase in magnetic field strength impedes fluid flow, while higher values of the Grashof number, heat source parameter and Jeffrey fluid parameter enhance fluid motion. The study’s findings have significant implications for optimizing magnetohydrodynamic systems in various emerging applications, including biomedical engineering, aerospace, geophysics and industrial processes. Originality/value This study aims to investigate the impact of a transverse magnetic field on the flow and heat transfer characteristics of viscoelastic fluids driven by membrane propagation.