Heat transfer in peristaltic flow of electrokinetically modulated Carreau fluid under the influence of magnetic field

Abstract Peristalsis is a wave‐like muscular movement that propels fluids or semi‐solids through tubes in biological systems or engineered devices. The MHD flow of a non‐Newtonian (Carreau) fluid, driven by forces forming a pressure gradient, is modelled mathematically. As microchannels expand due to wall erosion, the geometry of the system changes, potentially altering fluid dynamics, flow resistance, and heat transfer efficiency. The electroosmotic processes are simulated using the Poisson and Nernst‐Planck equations, with the electric potential circulating in a Boltzmann manner through the electric double layer. Simplifications, such as low Reynolds number and long wavelength approximations, are applied to the governing equations. Mathematica's NDSolve simulates the coupled nonlinear equations, exploring new physical factors affecting flow, heat transfer, and pumping. Additionally, the trapping phenomenon of peristaltic pumping is visually demonstrated and discussed. The study shows that the homogeneous reaction parameter and Schmidt number reduce chemical reaction profiles, while the heterogeneous reaction parameter increases them. Also, the bolus size and number decrease as the velocity slip parameter increases.