Electro-Osmotic Peristaltic Streaming of a Fractional Second-Grade Viscoelastic Nanofluid with Single and Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes in a Ciliated Tube

Channakote, Mahadev M; Marudappa, Shekar; Anwar Bég, O; Narayana, Mahesha; Siddabasappa, C

Abstract

Mathematical modelling of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in biological fluids is essential for drug delivery, biosensing, and targeted therapy. This study explores the transport dynamics of single-walled (SWCNTs) and multi-walled (MWCNTs) carbon nanotubes in a nanofluid under electro-osmotic peristaltic flow influenced by ciliary motion. A microfluidic channel lined with cilia, hair-like structures found in human airways and reproductive tracts, is considered. The coordinated beating of cilia generates a wavelike motion that propels the surrounding biological fluid. When an electric field is applied across the channel, electro-osmotic forces further modify the flow, affecting velocity and temperature distribution. A nanofluid, consisting of CNTs suspended in a base fluid, flows through this cilia-driven microchannel. The transport process is governed by electro-osmosis, heat transfer, and thermal radiation effects, with simplifications based on long-wavelength and low Reynolds number assumptions. The Caputo fractional model and Debye-Hückel linearization are used to analyse the interaction between electro-osmotic forces and thermal-mechanical effects. The results reveal that a negative Helmholtz-Smoluchowski parameter (í µí± ℎí µí±) reduces axial velocity in the core but increases it in the periphery, while the opposite trend is observed for positive í µí± ℎí µí±. Longer cilia (í µí»½) and higher electro-osmotic parameter (í µí±) slow the core flow while accelerating peripheral transport. Thermal effects indicate that an increased heat source (í µí°µ) raises temperature and axial velocity, whereas a higher nanotube volume fraction (í µí¼) enhances axial velocity but reduces temperature. Notably, MWCNTs exhibit superior axial velocity and temperature enhancement compared to SWCNTs. These outcomes provide valuable insights into electro-osmotic cilia-driven nanofluid transport, offering a theoretical foundation for optimizing microfluidic and biomedical applications.

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Mar 26, 2025
• Online Publication Date: Apr 9, 2025
• Publication Date: Apr 9, 2025
• Deposit Date: Mar 27, 2025
• Publicly Available Date: Apr 11, 2025
• Print ISSN: 2590-1230
• Electronic ISSN: 2590-1230
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 26
• Article Number: 104739
• Keywords: Thermal conductivity, carbon nanotubes, electro-osmosis, Debye-Huckel linearization; thermal buoyancy; cilia