Abstract
The paper presents a numerical study to explore the possible similarity solutions as well as dual branch solutions to study the performance evaluation of various nanoparticles associated water as the base fluid in the case of steady two-dimensional forced convection boundary layer flow through a moving flat porous plate under external magnetic fields. We considered water as a base fluid embedded with the three different types of nanoparticles namely copper (Cu), alumina (Al2O3) and titania (TiO2). The governing equations are simplified by similarity approach. The resulting equations are solved numerically and the numerical results are explored through graphs and tables and discussed in detail. The influences of problem parameters are discussed for the steady solution. The paper extends results of previous works by others authors contributing to increase the scientific knowledge on the subject. The skin friction coefficient and local Nusselt number on the plane are studied as functions of the problem parameters. The study reveals that the problem considered admits of upper and lower branch solutions for moving parameter lambda, magnetic parameter M, the power law parameter n, convection heat transfer b and nanoparticle volume fraction parameter phi. (C) 2020 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V.