Numerical Analysis of Magnetohydrodynamic Boundary-Layer Flow and Heat Transfer with Thermal Radiation over a Stretching Wedge Surface

Résumé

This study presents a comprehensive numerical analysis of magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) boundary-layer flow and heat transfer over a stretching wedge surface, incorporating the effects of thermal radiation and suction/injection. The governing nonlinear partial differential equations are transformed into ordinary differential equations using appropriate similarity transformations. The resulting system of coupled nonlinear ordinary differential equations is solved using the robust fourth-order Runge–Kutta method in combination with the shooting technique. The influence of key physical parameters—including the magnetic parameter \( M \), radiation parameter \( R_d \), wedge parameter \( \beta \), Prandtl number \( Pr \), and suction/injection parameter \( S \)—on the velocity and temperature profiles, skin friction coefficient, and Nusselt number is thoroughly investigated. Results indicate that increasing the magnetic field strength suppresses the velocity profile while increasing the temperature within the boundary layer. The wedge parameter significantly impacts flow stability, with higher \( \beta \) promoting smoother velocity profiles and reducing the tendency for boundary layer separation. Thermal radiation increases the thermal boundary layer thickness and decreases heat transfer rate at the wall. The numerical results are validated against existing literature benchmarks, demonstrating excellent agreement and confirming the accuracy and reliability of the solution method.