Sensitivity and numerical simulation of unsteady reactive hydromagnetic Eyring-Powell flow in a non-horizontal channel

Abstract This study investigates unsteady, reactive magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) Eyring-Powell fluid in a microchannel, incorporating suction/injection and heat source effects. The governing nonlinear deterministic two-variables differential equations, derived from the principles of conservation of mass, momentum, and species concentration, are transformed into a non-dimensional system using appropriate similarity variables. The coupled equations were solved numerically using the implicit finite difference method (IFDM), which ensures stability and accuracy for stiff systems. Solution errors profiles were presented to give confidence on the numerical solution. The parametric analysis reveal that the fluid parameter significantly retards the flow and temperature profile, while pressure gradient and Grashof number profoundly support the thermal and velocity profiles. Sensitivity analysis is perform to check the impact of the parameters at the walls of the channel. The Grashof number and pressure gradient have the highest influence on the drag force of the fluid near the walls. The viscosity variation and heat source parameters have the highest influence on the heat transfer rate at the left and right walls of the fluid respectively. This work provides valuable insights into the behaviour of non-Newtonian fluids in a microchannel under the combined effects of some thermophysical properties, with potential applications in thin film coating, water filtration/purification systems, and chemical engineering processes.