Thermogravitational Convection in a Multiple Baffled Enclosure Filled with Magneto-Hybrid Nanofluid Subjected to Magnetic Field Dependent Viscosity

Abstract

This study explores the significant impacts of thin baffles and magnetic field dependent viscosity on magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) thermogravitational convection of Cu-Al2O3 (50%–50%) water hybrid nanoliquid in a cavity. Considering different arrangements of baffle sticks on both the vertical walls, four geometrical configurations (Case-I, Case-II, Case-III and Case-IV) have been analyzed. Numerical simulation has been performed for the governing Navier-Stokes (N-S) equations in streamfunction - vorticity form having energy equation. These coupled equations are solved by proposing a higher-order compact finite difference method. The combination of five important aspects (hybrid nanofluid, multiple baffles, magnetic field dependent viscosity (MFDV), magnetic field and compact computation) signifies the novelty of this work. Fluid flow and transportation of thermal energy within the stipulated domain are presented for various flow pertinent parameters. The outcomes show that the increase in number of baffles diminishes the average Nusselt number values. It is concluded here that an increase in Hartmann number from 0 to 90 leads to a decrease in average Nusselt number up to 23.7% for Case-I, 23.8% for Case-II, 21.2% for Case-III and 28% for Case-IV in presence of MFDV effects.