Abstract
In this study, we investigate the role of bulk viscosity in $f(Q,T)$ gravity in explaining late-time cosmic acceleration. This model, an extension of symmetric teleparallel gravity, introduces viscosity into cosmic matter dynamics for a more realistic representation. Specifically, we consider the linear form of $f (Q, T) =αQ + βT$, where $α$ and $β$ are free model parameters. To assess the model, we derive its exact solution and use Hubble parameter $H(z)$ data and Pantheon + SNe Ia data for parameter estimation. We employ the $χ^2$ minimization technique alongside the MCMC random sampling method to determine the best-fit parameters. Then, we analyze the behavior of key cosmological parameters, including the deceleration parameter, bulk viscous matter-dominated universe density, effective pressure, and the effective EoS parameter, accounting for the viscous type fluid. We observe a transition in the deceleration parameter from a positive (decelerating) to a negative (accelerating) phase at transition redshift $z_t$. The matter density shows the expected positive behavior, while the pressure, influenced by viscosity, exhibits negative behavior, indicative of accelerating expansion. Furthermore, we investigate the energy conditions and find that while the NEC and DEC meet positivity criteria, the SEC is violated in the present and future epochs. The $Om(z)$ diagnostic suggests that our model aligns with quintessence behavior. Finally, our $f(Q,T)$ cosmological model, incorporating bulk viscosity effects, provides a compelling explanation for late-time cosmic behavior, consistent with observational data.