Malaysian Journal of Mathematical Sciences, December 2025, Vol. 19, No. 4
Separation Points Analysis on Unsteady MHD Mixed Convective Heat Transfer Past A Sphere in Casson Fluid
Jefri, N. N. N. and Ali, A.
Corresponding Email: anati@utm.my
Received date: 26 March 2025
Accepted date: 9 June 2025
Abstract:
This study extends prior work on magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) mixed convective heat transfer in Casson fluids by investigating unsteady flow past a sphere, focusing on the rarely explored phenomenon of flow reversal. The Casson model, which captures a blood-like non-Newtonian behavior, makes the study relevant to biomedical and engineering applications. Minimizing flow reversal is crucial for improving flow stability, reducing energy loss, and enhancing transport efficiency. The governing equations are solved using the Keller box method, implemented via a MATLAB algorithm. Flow reversal is analyzed through graphical representations of velocity and temperature profiles, with particular attention to the effects of magnetic field strength, mixed convection, and the Casson parameter. This study is the first to report the effect of the magnetic field on flow reversal in unsteady Casson fluid flow past a rigid sphere. Results show that the magnetic field parameter reduces the momentum boundary layer thickness, effectively minimizing flow reversal. This novel finding has practical implications in applications such as improving drug delivery by regulating blood flow in arteries and optimizing thermal management in electronic cooling systems around spherical components in aerospace and industrial designs.
Keywords: MHD; mixed convective; Casson; sphere
