A novel exploration of how localized magnetic field affects vortex generation of trihybrid nanofluids

Abstract

Abstract Nanofluidics have better thermal properties than regular fluids, which makes them useful for heat transfer applications. This research investigated the complex dynamics of confined magnetic forces that influence the rotation of nanostructures and vortex formation in a tri-hybrid nanofluid (Ag, Al2O3, TiO2) flow regime. The study shows that the magnetic field can change the flow and heat transfer of nanofluidic, depending on its direction and strength. The study also provides insights into the complex physics of nanofluid flow and heat transfer, which can help design devices that use nanofluids more efficiently for cooling electronics, harvesting solar energy, and generating power from fuel cells. We used a single-phase model to model the nanofluids while the governing partial differential equations were solved numerically. An alternating-direction implicit approach has been employed to analyze the impact of confined magnetic fields on the nanofluid flow and thermal properties. Unlike previous studies that assumed uniform magnetic fields, we introduced multiple confined magnetic fields in the form of horizontal and vertical strips. Using our custom MATLAB codes, we systematically examined various parameters, including the magnetic field strength, number of strips and their position, and nanoparticle volume fraction, to assess their effects on nanofluid flow and thermal characteristics. Our findings revealed that the confined Lorentz force induced the spinning of tri-hybrid nanoparticles, resulting in a complicated vortex structure within the flow regime. In the absence of a magnetic field, a single symmetric vortex can be seen in the flow field. However, the introduction of magnetic sources stretches this vortex until it splits into two smaller, weaker vortices in the lower cavity, rotating clockwise or counterclockwise. Furthermore, the magnetic field strength significantly reduces both skin friction and the Nusselt number, while Reynolds numbers mainly affect the Nusselt number.