A Hydrodynamic Model of Flow in a Bifurcating Stream, Part 1: Effects of Bifurcation Angle and Magnetic Field

A hydrodynamic model of the flow in a bifurcating stream is presented. The problem is modeled using the Boussinesq approximations, and the governing nonlinear equations solved analytically by the methods of similarity transformation and regular perturbation series expansions. Similarity expressions for the temperature, concentration and velocity are obtained and analyzed graphically. The results show that bifurcation angle and Reynolds number increase the transport velocity. Furthermore, it is seen that the magnetic field parameter decreases the velocity in the upstream region, and makes it oscillatory in the downstream region.