Modelling two-layer nanofluid flow in a micro-channel with electro-osmotic effects by means of Buongiorno’s mode

A fully developed steady immiscible flow of nanofluid in a two-layer microchannel is studied in the presence of electro-kinetic effects. Buongiorno’s model is employed for describing the behavior of nanofluids. Different from the previous studies on two-layer channel flow of a nanofluid, the present paper introduces the flux conservation conditions for the nanoparticle volume fraction field, which makes this work new and unique, and it is in coincidence with practical observations. The governing equations are reduced into a group of ordinary differential equations via appropriate similarity transformations. The highly accurate analytical approximations are obtained. Important physical quantities and total entropy generation are analyzed and discussed. A comparison is made to determine the significance of electrical double layer (EDL) effects in the presence of an external electric field. It is found that the Brownian diffusion, the thermophoresis diffusion, and the viscosity have significant effect on altering the flow behaviors.