Entropy generation analysis of Falkner–Skan flow of Maxwell nanofluid in porous medium with temperature-dependent viscosity

Entropy generation analysis in steady two-dimensional, viscous, incompressible forced convective Falkner–Skan flow of Maxwell nanofluid over a static wedge embedded in a porous medium with temperature-dependent viscosity is examined. The Buongiorno’s model has been utilised, to get the flow governing higher-order coupled nonlinear partial differential equations (PDEs) from mass, momentum, energy and concentration conservations. Suitable transformations have been done to convert governing PDEs into the coupled non-linear ODEs along with no-slip boundary conditions, which are then solved using the MATLAB programme bvp4c. The influences of diverse flow governing parameters on various flow properties and quantities of physical interest are displayed in graphical mode and discussed. It is found that entropy generation reduces only with Eckert number (Ec), while more entropy is generated for pressure gradient parameter (m), local Deborah number ( $$\beta )$$ , variable viscosity parameter ( $$\delta $$ ) and permeability parameter (K). Entropy generation due to heat transfer irreversibility is prominent with increase in m and $$\delta $$ , but it is not so for other parameters. The drag force on the wedge surface become stronger with $$\beta $$ and m, but it reduces with $$\delta $$ . Rates of heat transfer and mass transfer enhance with m and $$\delta $$ . In addition, surface drag force and heat transfer rate diminish with Brownian motion parameter (Nb) and thermophoresis parameter (Nt).