Natural convection heat transfer augmentation in a partially heated and partially cooled square cavity utilizing nanofluids

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the behaviour of nanofluids numerically inside a partially heated and partially cooled square cavity to gain insight into heat transfer and flow processes induced by a nanofluid.Design/methodology/approachA model is developed to analyze the behaviour of nanofluids taking into account the solid volume fraction χ. The transport equations are solved numerically with finite volume approach using SIMPLEC algorithm.FindingsComparisons with previously published work on the basis of special cases are performed and found to be in excellent agreement. Five different relative positions of the active zones are considered.While circulation depend strongly on the total exit length. Governing parameters were 103 < Gr < 107 but due to space constraints the results for 104 < Gr <107 are presented. It is found that both the Grashof number and solid volume fraction χ affect the fluid flow and heat transfer in the cavity. CopperWater nanofluid is used with Pr = 6.2 and solid volume fraction is varied as 0, 4, 8, 12, 16 and 20 per cent. Detailed results are presented for flow pattern and heat transfer curves.Originality/valueThe present study focusses on the analysis of several parameters on the heat transfer characteristics of nanofluids within the enclosure.