A numerical analysis of heat and mass transfer in water-based hybrid nanofluid flow containing copper and alumina nanoparticles over an extending sheet

This article investigates two-dimensional micropolar flow over an expanding sheet of water-based hybrid nanofluid comprising copper and alumina nanoparticles with the impact of the magnetic field. In addition, the effects of thermal radiation, chemical reaction, Brownian motion, heat source, thermophoresis, Joule heating, viscous dissipation, and activation energy are taken into account. The modeled equations have converted to dimensionless form by means of suitable similarity variables. Using the bvp4c approach, the solution to the examined problem is found computationally. The present study is validated with previously published findings, demonstrating a consistent trend in the current and previous results. Based on the current findings, it can be concluded that a higher magnetic factor increases the skin friction force, but higher micropolar parameters and micro-gyration constraints decrease the skin friction force. The rate of thermal flow is increased by larger values of the heat source, thermal Biot number, magnetic factor, and Eckert number. In comparison to nanofluid flow, the rates of heat transfer and friction force are higher for hybrid nanofluid flow. The micro-rotational velocity profiles decrease with increasing micropolar factor and increase with increasing micro-gyration. The thermal distribution is improved by a larger heat source, thermal Biot number, thermophoresis factor, Eckert number, and Brownian motion factor. Moreover, with growth in thermal Biot number in the range of [0.1, 0.4], there is a growth of 32% in the thermal flow rate which is a better growth in comparison to other parameters. The drag force has also seen a maximum growth of 32% against a surge in a micro-gyration constraint. This idea validates that the use of hybrid nanofluids over traditional nanofluids offers enhanced friction forces and heat transfer rates that provide insights into the optimization of fluid flow systems in engineering applications. This study has practical applications in improving heat exchangers, cooling systems, and industrial processes that require efficient thermal management. By analyzing the heat and mass transfer characteristics of a water-based hybrid nanofluid containing copper and alumina nanoparticles, engineers can optimize fluid compositions for better heat dissipation in electronic cooling, automotive radiators, and energy systems. Additionally, the findings can aid in designing advanced materials for biomedical applications, such as targeted drug delivery and hyperthermia treatments, where precise thermal control is essential.