Abstract
This paper deals with two-dimensional peristaltic flow of a viscous fluid in a symmetric channel for variable temperature-dependent viscosity. The effects of Hall current, ion slip, viscous dissipation, and Ohmic heating are also taken into consideration. The problem is formulated in terms of governing equations using conservation laws of mass, momentum, and energy. Using a series solution an approximate asymptotic solution is obtained by the method of perturbation expansion in terms of a small viscosity parameter under standard assumptions of long wavelength and low Reynolds number for the peristaltic transport of fluid. The results are presented graphically to demonstrate the behavior of field quantities under the influence of different physical parameters. However, special attention is given to the effects of variable viscosity and dissipation on the peristaltic flow (the new features added in the present study). It is observed that the maximum pressure rise against which peristalsis works as a pump decreases as a result of increasing viscosity parameter and Brinkman number. The heat transfer in variable-viscosity fluid is found to be smaller in comparison with constant-viscosity fluid.