Unsteady Flow of Magnetized SWCNTs-MWCNTs/H₂O Over a Stretching Sheet with Temperature-Dependent Properties: A Comparative Analysis

Purpose: This research aims to investigate the flow and heat transfer characteristics of a hybrid nanofluid comprising water, single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) over a stretching sheet under the influence of a magnetic field. Design/Methodology/Approach: The study employs a mathematical model that accounts for factors such as variable viscosity, thermal radiation, a porous medium and heat generation/absorption. The governing partial differential equations (PDEs) are transformed into ordinary differential equations (ODEs) using similarity transformations and then solved numerically using the bvp4c solver in MATLAB. Findings: The numerical results reveal that the velocity profile of the hybrid nanofluid is significantly enhanced by the presence of MWCNTs. Additionally, the temperature profile is influenced by parameters like the magnetic field, heat source/sink and Prandtl number. The Yamada–Ota (Y–O) model is found to have a more pronounced effect on heat transfer compared to the Xue model. Originality/Value: This study provides valuable insights into the behavior of hybrid nanofluids in complex flow scenarios. The findings can be applied to the design and optimization of various thermal systems, such as heat exchangers and cooling devices.