COMSOL Multiphysics simulation of hydromagnetic flow in horizontal channels with diverse media: Insights into momentum and heat diffusion limitations

Abstract

The Darcy–Forchheimer model for a two‐dimensional hydromagnetic flow in a horizontal channel, including the dynamic interaction of porous and nonporous media, is investigated in this study due to the importance of the consequences of heat exchange in porous materials. The novelty of the current investigation is to study the hydrodynamics of fluid flowing through a channel with free and non‐Darcy porous media linked next to one another influenced by the potent Lorentz force. The prime objective of this investigation is to analyze the influence of critical nondimensional parameters on the rate of heat transfer and shear forces exerted on the walls of the channel. Numerical simulations are carried out using the finite element method within the COMSOL Multiphysics program, which offers a versatile framework to explore the behavior of velocity and isothermal contours. The essential optimal stability of this adopted model is achieved for specific scenarios employing a finely meshed grid and grid‐independent analysis. It is noteworthy that larger Prandtl numbers enhance heat transmission rates from surfaces at high temperatures, whereas greater Eckert numbers are correlated with lower Nusselt numbers. On the lower surface, the Forchheimer and magnetic drag forces reduce skin friction, whereas the top surface displays a different pattern. The aforesaid findings have a variety of engineering applications by improving the flow dynamics in porous and nonporous materials. This study can be beneficial in designing heat exchanger devices.