Exploring Microbial Dynamics and Heat Transmission in a Nonlinear Radiative Maxwell Nanomaterial With Sensitivity Analysis

In the automotive, electronics, and energy sectors, heat exchangers and cooling systems can be improved by the flow dynamics of thermally enriched nanomaterials across enlarged surfaces. In biomicrosystems, bionanocooling units, and the petroleum sector, the fluid’s stabilizing properties derive from the presence of microorganisms. Using nonlinear radiation, Arrhenius catalysts, and thermal convection, this work focuses on the electrically induced nanobioconvective migration of Maxwell fluid-containing organisms across an exponentially grown surface. Using suitable transformations, the governing equations are converted into dimensionless forms to create a mathematical framework for nanofluids based on the Buongiorno model. After a stability analysis, the reformulated flow problems are solved using a finite difference approach, and the computational outcomes are verified against previous research. The results show that larger buoyancy ratios and magnetic components decrease the velocity of the nanofluid, while increasing viscosity and radiation increase its thermal energy. Furthermore, unpredictable motion and enhanced thermophoresis reduce heat transmission. Compared to linear radiation, nonlinear thermal radiation has a far bigger effect on thermal fields. Additionally, fewer dispersed bacteria result in a lower motile microbe density when the Peclet number (Pe) is larger. When it comes to estimating microbe density (Nd), the model’s statistical validation yields a 99.95% R2 at a 95% confidence level, indicating its dependability. Pe and Ae show the highest and lowest sensitivity to the motile density function in Maxwell fluid, respectively. By improving the circumstances for microbial growth in nanofluid settings, the findings of this study aid in the optimization of biofuel production.