Stability and statistical regression analysis of radiative stagnation-point flow of a ternary hybrid nanofluid with slip and melting effects

Purpose This study aims to explore an investigation of stagnation-point flow and thermal transport characteristics of a radiative ternary hybrid nanofluid, consisting of engine oil as the base fluid, supplemented with nanoparticles of SiO2, Cu and ZrO2. It addresses the flow on a stretching/shrinking surface, accounting for the effects of velocity slip and melting. Design/methodology/approach The corresponding partial differential equations are then converted into self-similar equations and are solved using MATLAB’s bvp4c algorithm. Since the model has two solution branches, a linear stability analysis is conducted to select the physically relevant flow regime. The high level of statistical regression indicates the strength of the model, as evidenced by the significant F-statistic, low p-value and high coefficient of determination. Findings The findings indicate that a higher rate of melting and high rates of slip amplify momentum and thermal boundary layers, resulting in better heat transfer performance, and a decreased value of the parameters causes dual-solution behaviour and a delay in the boundary-layer separation. Originality/value Due to these features, the applications of the findings, in terms of polymer extrusion, storage of thermal energy, cooling of phase changes, the nano-lubrication systems and a sophisticated manufacturing process with high thermal loads, show high applicability.