Entropy generation in MHD free convection of nanoliquid within a square open chamber with a solid body

Abstract

Purpose The study aims to investigate magnetohydrodynamics thermal convection energy transference and entropy production in an open chamber saturated with ferrofluid having an isothermal solid block. Design/methodology/approach Analysis of thermal convection phenomenon was performed for an open chamber saturated with a nanofluid having an isothermal solid unit placed inside the cavity with various aspect ratios. The left border temperature is kept at Tc. An external cooled nanofluid of fixed temperature Tc penetrates into the domain from the right open border. The nanofluid circulation is Newtonian, incompressible, and laminar. The uniform magnetic field of strength B at the tilted angle of γ is applied. The finite volume technique is used to work out the non-linear equations of liquid motion and energy transport. For Rayleigh number (Ra=1e+7), numerical simulations were executed for varying the solid volume fractions of the nanofluid (ϕ = 0.01–0.04), the aspect ratios of a solid body (As = 0.25–4), the Hartmann number (Ha = 0–100), the magnetic influence inclination angle (γ = 0–π/2) and the non-dimensional temperature drop (Ω = 0.001–0.1) on the liquid motion, heat transference and entropy production. Findings Numerical outcomes are demonstrated by using isolines of temperature and stream function, profiles of mean Nusselt number and entropy generations. The results indicate that the entropy generation rate and mean Nu can be decreased with an increase in Ha. The inner solid block of As = 0.25 reflects the maximum heat transfer rate in comparison with other considered blocks. The addition of nano-sized particles results in a growth of energy transport and mean entropy generations. Originality/value An efficient computational technique has been developed to solve natural convection problem for an open chamber. The originality of this research is to scrutinize the convective transport and entropy production in an open domain with inner body. The outcomes would benefit scientists and engineers to become familiar with the investigation of convective energy transference and entropy generation in open chambers with inner bodies, and the way to predict the energy transference strength in the advanced engineering systems.