Numerical study of energy transmission through copper-based nanofluid contained in a partially heated isosceles triangular cavity in the presence of heat source/sink

Abstract

Abstract This study reports computational simulation of natural convective energy transport through copper-based nanofluid contained in partially heated isosceles triangular conduit in the presence of invariable magnetic field under the influence of energy source/sink. Inclined sides of the enclosure are retained cold and horizontal boundary is supposed thermally insulated. Heat source of a particular length is placed on the horizontal wall. Relations expressing the energy transport and fluid flow are first dealt by penalty scheme and then composed expressions are assembled through Galerkin approximation scheme. Pertinent physical parameters governing the flow are the solid volume increment of nanoparticles (0.0 <  ϕ  < 0.06), Hartmann number (0 < Ha < 100), Rayleigh number (105 < Ra < 108) and coefficient of heat source/sink (−10 < Q < 10). It has been noted through this investigation that in consequence of magnetic force, reduction in heat transport occurs. Conduction and convection regimes are dominant for small and large Rayleigh numbers respectively. Energy transport rate is found zero on corners of the cold inclined walls. Obtained computational results reveal that the flow pattern relies considerably on the concentration of nanoparticles, coefficient of energy source/sink, Rayleigh and Hartmann numbers. Computed solutions are expressed through plots of streamlines, isothermal lines, and rate of local and overall energy flow. The current results are also validated through graphical comparison with the existing literature.