Entropy generation optimisation on the peristaltic mechanism of non-Newtonian Ree-Eyring fluid with variable liquid properties

Abstract The current study focuses on the entropy generation characteristics in the peristaltic mechanism of a non-Newtonian Ree-Eyring fluid in an axisymmetric channel. Temperature-dependent variable fluid properties, such as varying viscosity and thermal conductivity, are considered. Viscous dissipation and temperature-dependent fluid properties are integrated into the analysis to better reflect realistic transport conditions. The momentum equations govern the flow, and the energy equation is also considered in the study. No-slip conditions are employed at the boundary of the uniform channel, and non-linear coupled equations are solved using the perturbation technique. Solutions are obtained for velocity, temperature, concentration, and stream functions. Graphical representations were generated using the software MATLAB R2024a. These results highlight the importance of temperature-dependent viscosity and thermal conductivity in the behaviour of fluids. The study demonstrated that increased temperature-dependent viscosity considerably enhanced the velocity profile. Results also reveal that increasing thermal conductivity and reducing viscosity gradients can significantly minimise entropy generation. This inverse relationship highlights the importance of assessing thermodynamic and rheological parameters when attempting to model or control fluid movement. The optimisation framework offers valuable insights for designing energy-efficient peristaltic transport systems involving complex fluids. These findings are especially valuable for enhancing peristaltic transport processes, including biomedical applications such as drug delivery and endoscopic applications, industrial applications such as polymer processing, heat transfer in microchannels, and chemical reactors.