Vol.26, Special Issue B, 2026, pp. S33–S41
https://doi.org/10.69644/ivk-2026-siB-0033 

The objective of this study to propose a methodology to examine nanofluids flow enhanced thermal conductivity and heat transfer behaviour. The study aims to depict the optimised parameter values at which enhanced thermal conductivity of nanofluids results in more efficient cooling. To achieve this, mixed convection nanofluid (Cu-water) flow over a shrinking sheet under radiative effects is investigated numerically using finite element method (FEM). The analysis incorporates key parameters such as the suction, thermal conductivity, radiation and mixed convection which govern the flow and heat transfer characteristics. The numerical investigation depicts that suction is the most dominant factor which helps to reduce the boundary layer thickness and enhance heat transfer. Radiative effects lead to a thicker thermal boundary layer that consequently reduces the heat transfer rate. The mixed convection parameter also contributes to higher heat transfer rate, simultaneously increasing the skin friction. Corresponding diagrams are plotted to illustrate the outcomes. Results show that the nanofluid model developed in this work exhibits higher Nusselt number as compared to the base microfluid model, confirming improved heat transfer. Also, results obtained statistically by Response Surface Methodology (RSM) using MATLAB^® are investigated for optimised value of parameters. The results from the RSM model show a strong positive correlation with our numerical FEM results. The RSM-ANOVA optimisation reveals a strong correlation, giving accuracy of 0.975, highlighting the roles of suction and radiative heat transfer in determining thermal behaviour. This study provides insights for effective thermal management in thin-film manufacturing processes.

Keywords: • nanofluid • thermal radiation • finite element method • response surface methodology