Mathematical analysis of electromagnetically driven squeezing flow in confined microchannels

Abstract Nanofluids flowing through confined channels are widely used in micro-cooling systems, miniature pumps, and other microfluidic technologies, where the combined effects of electromagnetic forces and variable fluid properties play an important role in transport phenomena. This study explores the squeezing flow of a nanofluid between two parallel plates, specifically focusing on a stretching, porous lower plate. We examine how external electric and magnetic fields influence flow transport. Temperature-dependent viscosity and thermal conductivity are included in the model to obtain a realistic thermophysical behaviour of the nanofluid flow. The novelty of the study lies in simultaneously considering electro-magnetohydrodynamic effects together with variable fluid properties within the Buongiorno nanofluid model. The governing equations are transformed using similarity transformations and solved by the Optimal Homotopy Analysis Method (OHAM). The results reveal that squeezing, electroosmotic, and electric field parameters enhance the forward flow, whereas suction and magnetic field intensity oppose the fluid motion. Brownian motion and thermophoresis increase the fluid temperature, while increasing the thermophoresis and Lewis number leads to a reduction in the nanoparticle concentration. The combined influence of electromagnetic effects and variable fluid properties demonstrates their importance in controlling flow and heat transfer in confined microfluidic systems.