Entropy generation analysis of Cu–water nanofluid flow over a moving wedge

The boundary layer heat transfer and entropy generation of Cu–water nanofluid over a moving wedge in the presence of thermal radiation have been analyzed. The governing partial differential equations were converted into nonlinear differential equations by using a suitable similarity transformation, which are solved numerically using the shooting technique together with Runge–Kutta fourth order integration scheme. The effective thermal conductivity and viscosity of the nanofluid are approximated by the Maxwell–Garnetts and Brinkman models, respectively. This investigation is compared with other numerical methods and found to have excellent agreement. The velocity and temperature profiles are obtained for different governing parameters such as Prandtl number Pr, the radiation parameters R, moving wedge parameters λ and solid volume fraction of the nanofluid ϕ. In addition, the effect of various physical parameters on the entropy generation number and Bejan number are also analyzed in this investigation.