Exploring Maxwell fluid behavior: A systematic review of methods, geometries, and applications

The review is a well-structured, detailed study of Maxwell fluid flow across a wide range of geometries, including, but not limited to, stretching sheets, vertical plates, inclined plates, cylinders, and channels. One hundred and ninety-six articles were identified; after systematic screening, 133 pertinent studies were selected. It is reviewed under steady and unsteady flow conditions and investigates the impact of major physical effects, i.e., magnetohydrodynamics (MHD), thermal radiation, chemical reactions, porous media, and heat generation. However, unlike the prevailing literature, which focuses on individual configurations or parameters, this research offers a comparative and critical assessment by combining various geometries, physical effects, and solution methods. The analysis shows that most studies focus on simplified geometries and single-parameter effects. In contrast, the interaction of multiple physical processes and realistic configurations is not studied to the same extent. As found in the review, there is an evident gap in research on multi-physics interaction studies across various geometries. This work, by summarizing the available knowledge and highlighting the underexplored fields, provides a detailed outline of future research in Maxwell fluid dynamics with immediate implications for engineering and industry.