Conical gap flow of Williamson tri-hybrid nanofluid subject to rotating and stretching motions

Purpose The purpose of this study is to analyze the flow and the transport phenomena of a non-Newtonian Williamson tri-hybrid nanofluid in the gap of a rotating cone and stretching disk, considering the effects of rotational and stretching motions in this cone-disk configuration. Furthermore, the energy equation is incorporated with Arrhenius activation energy and a heat source. Design/methodology/approach The nonlinear complex set of Navier–Stokes equations is transmuted to ordinary differential equations using a set of similarity variables. The numerical simulation is further performed using bvp4c, the built-in method in MATLAB. The proposed model is verified with the previous literature for its accuracy and correctness. Results from the boundary layer simulations are illustrated through graphs and tables. Findings The shear-thinning nature of Williamson fluid restricts the fluid from flowing faster. The transition from a Williamson fluid to a Williamson tri-hybrid nanofluid leads to a notable heat transfer augmentation of 39.37% at the disk and 17.34% at the cone surface, highlighting the superior thermal capabilities of the tri-hybrid formulation. Practical implications These insights are crucial for improving thermal management in electric vehicles, electronics cooling, turbines and energy storage systems. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, for the first time, the flow behavior and transport characteristics of a non-Newtonian Williamson tri-hybrid nanofluid are simulated and analyzed in this cone-disk model, considering the aspects of the rotating cone and the stretching disk.