Numerical investigation of entropy generation in trihybrid nanofluid flow over an exponentially curved surface using the quasi-linearization technique

The study of fluid flow over curved surfaces plays an important role in many engineering systems. Applications include turbines, aircraft wings, and marine structures, as well as biomedical devices such as vascular stents and orthopedic implants. Investigating trihybrid nanofluid flow over curved stretching sheets helps address gaps in existing studies and provides insights relevant to practical thermal and fluid flow applications. This study investigates magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) flow of trihybrid nanofluids over an exponentially curved stretchable surface, highlighting the combined effects of magnetic fields, thermal radiation, velocity slip, and convective conditions. By using a trihybrid fluid containing 2% each of Ferric oxide, Silver, and Copper nano-particles in Ethylene Glycol, the work addresses gaps in previous studies that focused mainly on mono and hybrid nanofluids. Entropy generation and Bejan number analysis are incorporated to examine irreversibility and thermodynamic efficiency. Momentum, energy, and concentration equations with nonlinear boundary conditions are solved using the Quasilinearization Technique (QLT), ensuring accuracy and stability. Results are validated against known flat-surface solutions at higher curvature values. Detailed graphical and tabular analyses are provided for temperature, velocity, concentration, skin friction, Nusselt number, entropy generation rate, and Bejan number. The trihybrid nanofluid demonstrates superior thermal transport compared to mono and hybrid nanofluids. Magnetic fields and thermal radiation enhance heat transfer but increase entropy generation, while velocity slip reduces wall shear stress. Convective boundary conditions strongly influence near-wall thermal gradients and local Nusselt numbers. Entropy generation and Bejan number analyses offer new insights into irreversibility and thermodynamic efficiency under varying parameters. The study confirms the effectiveness of QLT for strongly nonlinear flows and provides a framework for optimizing heat transfer while managing irreversibility in practical applications.