Effect of non-uniform magnetic field on non-Newtonian fluid separation in a diffuser

The purpose of the present study is to investigate the boundary layer separation point in a magnetohydrodynamics diffuser. As an innovation, the Re value on the separation point is determined for the non-Newtonian fluid flow under the influence of the non-uniform magnetic field due to an electrical solenoid, in an empirical case. The governing equations including continuity and momentum are solved by applying the semi-analytical collocation method (C.M.). The analysis revealed that for specific values of De from 0.4 to 1.6, α from 20o to 2.5o and Ha from zero to 8, the Re value on the separation point is increased from 52.94 to 1862.78; thus, the boundary layer separation postponed. Furthermore, the impact of the magnetic field intensity on the separation point is analyzed from the physical point of view. It is observed the wall shear stress increases by increasing magnetic field intensity that leads to delaying the boundary layer separation. © 2020 Materials and Energy Research Center. All rights reserved.