Computational analysis for thermal radiation and heat Source–Sink on ternary hybrid nanofluid flow with Cattaneo–Christov heat flux over a stretching surface

This research presents an extensive computational analysis of the thermal radiation and the influence of heat sources and sinks, as well as the flow and heat transfer features of a ternary hybrid nanofluid on a stretching surface, incorporating the effects of Cattaneo–Christov heat flux. The ternary hybrid nanofluid is formulated by dispersing three different nanoparticles typically Au, Ag and Zn combinations into a base fluid (blood) to enhance thermal performance. The model considers the non-Fourier heat conduction theory via the Cattaneo–Christov approach, accounting for finite thermal relaxation time, which provides a more realistic representation of heat propagation in nanofluids compared to classical Fourier's law. Via similarity transformations, the governing partial differential equations that describe momentum and energy transport are recast into a set of non-linear ordinary differential equations. These equations are then numerically solved using MATLAB's Bvp4c solver with a shooting technique. Parametric studies are conducted to analyze the effects of key physical parameters, including thermal radiation, nanoparticle volume fractions, and thermal relaxation time on the velocity and temperature profiles. The results reveal that thermal radiation and heat source intensify the fluid temperature, while the Cattaneo–Christov model moderates the thermal response by reducing the peak temperature. This study highlights the synergistic effects of multi-nanoparticles systems and advanced heat conduction models, providing valuable insights for thermal management in engineering applications involving high-performance heat transfer fluids.