Comparative analysis of unsteady MHD Cu ₃ Zn ₂ –Co hybrid nanofluid flow over an vertical porous plate using the Hamilton–Crosser model with thermal radiation and thermal diffusion effects

Abstract This research analytically investigated the unstable magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) movement of a composite nanoliquid containing Cu 3 Zn 2 and Co microelements in water (H 2 O) across an inclined penetrable plate, considering the impact of thermal radiation, and thermal diffusion. The mathematical model accounts for the consequences of thermal diffusion and chemical reaction, and provides insight into the effect of these factors on the flow properties. The primary goal is to explore how implications in the magnetic field, radiation, heat absorption, and thermal diffusion affect the flow velocity, temperature, and concentration outlines of the composite nanofluid. The study is of substantial importance for optimizing thermal transfer and mass transport mechanisms in various engineering applications, particularly in porous medium settings. The controlling nonlinear partial differential equations are converted into nondimensional form by employing dimensionless variables, and the derived system is analysed analytically utilizing the perturbation strategy. The findings are further validated through numerical computations in MATLAB. Closed-form solutions for velocity, temperature, concentration, skin friction factor, and Nusselt numeral are derived. The novel contribution of this research lies in the integration of hybrid nanoliquid properties with the impacts of aligned magnetic fields and thermal radiation, which enhances the thermal and solutal transmission capabilities. Outcomes reveal that enhancing the magnetic field intensity suppresses primary velocity, while higher radiation absorption and thermal diffusion promote greater fluid temperature. Furthermore, incorporating Cu 3 Zn 2 and Co nanoparticles into the base fluid significantly improves the thermal performance of the hybrid nanoliquid, demonstrating its potential for use in advanced thermal management and energy systems.