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Purpose: The purpose of this study is the hydrothermal analysis of the natural convection phenomenon within the heat exchanger containing nanofluids using the lattice Boltzmann method (LBM). Design/methodology/approach: The thermal conductivity as well as dynamic viscosity of the CuO–water nanofluid is estimated using the Koo-Kleinstreuer-Li model. The LBM has been used with unique modifications to make it flexible with the curved boundaries. The local as well as total entropy generation assessment, local Nusselt variation, as well as heatline visualization are used. Findings: The solid volume percentage of the CuO–water nanofluid, a range of Rayleigh numbers (Ra) and thermal settings of internal operational fins and bodies are all factors that have been thoroughly researched to determine their effects on entropy production, heat transfer efficiency and nanofluid flow. Originality/value: The originality of this work is using a novel numerical method (i.e. curved boundary LBM) as well as the local/volumetric second law analysis for the application of heat exchanger hydrothermal analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Nowadays, the most important challenge in mechanical engineering, power engineering and electronics is a development of effective cooling systems for heat-generating units. Taking into account this challenge, this study aims to deal with computational investigation of thermogravitational energy transport of pseudoplastic nanoliquid in an electronic chamber with a periodic thermally producing unit placed on the bottom heat-conducting wall of finite thickness under an influence of isothermal cooling from vertical side walls. Design/methodology/approach: The control equations formulated using the Boussinesq approach, Ostwald–de Waele power law and single-phase nanofluid model with experimentally based correlations of Guo et al. for nanofluid dynamic viscosity and Jang and Choi for nanofluid thermal conductivity have been worked out by the in-house computational procedure using the finite difference technique. The impact of the Rayleigh number, nanoadditives concentration, frequency of the periodic heat generation from the local element and thickness of the bottom solid substrate on nanoliquid circulation and energy transport has been studied. Findings: It has been found that a raise of the nanoadditives concentration intensifies the cooling of the heat-generating element, while a growth of the heat-generation frequency allows reducing the amplitude of the heater temperature. Originality/value: Mathematical modeling of a pseudoplastic nanomaterial thermogravitational energy transport in an electronic cabinet with a periodic thermally generating unit, a heat-conducting substrate and isothermal cooling vertical surfaces to identify the possibility of intensifying heat removal from a heated surface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to address a problem in cooling of an electronic package where the dissipating fins transfer the extra heat energy from the heat source (i.e. electronic devices) to the heat sink (i.e. environment). To this end, the convective heat transfer of nanofluid flow over dissipating fins is simulated using a numerical approach, whereas the properties of nanofluid are evaluated based on the experimental measurements and used in the numerical process. Design/methodology/approach: To simulate the convective flow, the lattice Boltzmann method is used. Also, the curved boundary scheme is used to enhance the capability of lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) in the simulation of natural convection in curved boundaries. In addition, the second law analysis is used based on total and local approaches. Findings: To improve the cooling performance of fins, a modern technique is used, which is using of nanofluid. For this purpose, samples of SiO2-liquid paraffin with mass fractions of 0.01, 0.05, 0.1, 0.5 and 1 (Wt.%) in a temperature range of 25–60 °C are provided, and the required thermal and physical properties of samples including thermal conductivity and dynamic viscosity are measured during experimental work. The extracted results are used in the numerical simulations using derived correlations. Originality/value: The originality of the present work is using a modern numerical method in the investigation of an engineering application and combining it with experimental data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This paper aims to focus on the cavitating flow around the Clark-Y hydrofoil when the dissolved air is taken into account as the third phase. As the RNG k-epsilon model yields poor prediction due to overestimation of viscosity, the modification approaches including density corrected method, filter-based model and filter-based density correction model are used, and the turbulence model is modified. Also, the numerical results are compared with the experimental data. Design/methodology/approach: The cavitating flow is known as a complex multi-phase flow and appeared in the regions where the local pressure drops under saturation vapor pressure. Many researches have been conducted to analyze this phenomenon because of its significant impact on the erosion, vibration, noise, efficiency of turbomachines, etc. Findings: The experiments are conducted in a rectangular test section equipped with Clark-Y hydrofoil providing cavity visualization, instantaneous pressure and vibration fluctuations. The simulations are carried out for different cavitation numbers with and without dissolved air. The Fast Fourier Transform, continues wavelet transform and temporal-spatial distribution of gray level are implemented to extract and compare the shedding frequency of experiments and numerical predictions and cavitation evolution. It is concluded that the flow structure, shedding frequency and time-averaged characteristics are highly influenced by the dissolved air. Also, the numerical prediction will be more satisfactory when the modified turbulence models are applied. Originality/value: To the best of the authors' knowledge, the originality of this study is the modification of the turbulence model for better prediction of cavitating flow, and the validation of numerical results with corresponding experimental data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to model and solve numerically the three-dimensional off-centered stagnation point flow and heat transfer of magnesium oxide–silver/water hybrid nanofluid impinging to a spinning disk. Design/methodology/approach: The applied effective thermophysical properties of hybrid nanofluid including thermal conductivity and dynamics viscosity are according to the reported experimental relations that would be expanded by a mass-based algorithm. The single phase formulations coupled with experimental-based hybrid nanofluid model is implemented to derive the governing partial differential equations which are then transferred to a set of dimensionless ordinary differential equations (ODEs) with the use of the similarity transformation method. Afterward, the reduced ODEs are solved numerically by bvp4c function from MATLAB that is a trustworthy and efficient code according to three-stage Lobatto IIIa formula. Findings: The effect of spinning parameter and nanoparticles masses (mMgO, mAg) on the hydrodynamics and thermal boundary layers behavior and also the quantities of engineering interest are presented in tabular and graphical forms. The recent work demonstrates that the analysis of flow and heat transfer becomes more complicated when there is a non-alignment between the impinging flow and the disk axes. From computational results demonstrate that, the radial and azimuthal velocities are, respectively, the increasing and decreasing functions of the disk spinning parameter. Further, for the greater values of the spinning parameter, an overshoot of the radial velocity owing to the centrifugal forces of the spinning disk is observed. Besides, the quantities of engineering interest gently enhance with first and second nanoparticle masses, while comparing their absolute values illustrates the fact that the effect of second nanoparticle mass (mAg) is greater. Further, it is inferred that the second nanoparticle's mass enhancement results in the amplification of the heat transfer; although, the high skin friction and the relevant shear stress should be controlled. Originality/value: The combination of experimental thermophysical properties with theoretical modeling of the problem can be the novelty of the present work. It is evident that the experimental relations of effective thermophysical properties can be trustable and flexible in the theoretical/mathematical modeling of hybrid nanofluids flows. Besides, to the best of the authors' knowledge, no one has ever attempted to study the present problem through a mass-based model for hybrid nanofluid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aims to employ a modern numerical approach for conducting the simulations, which uses the smoothed-profile lattice Boltzmann method. Two separate distribution functions for flow and temperature fields are used to solve the Navier–Stokes equations in the most efficient manner. In addition, the Koo–Kleinstreuer–Li model is used to calculate the dynamic viscosity and thermal conductivity in the desired volume fractions, and the effect of Brownian motion is taken into consideration. Design/methodology/approach: Nowadays, because of enhanced global price of oil and critical issue of global warming, a significant demand for using renewable energy exists. The solar energy is one of the most popular forms of renewable energy. The solar collector can be used to collect and trap the energy received from the sun. The present work focuses on introducing and investigating a parabolic-trough solar collector. Findings: To analyze all hydrodynamic and thermal views of the solar collector, the structure of nanofluid stream, distribution of temperature, local dissipations because of flow and heat transfer, volumetric entropy production, Bejan number vs Rayleigh number and volume fraction are presented. Also, three different configurations for profile of solar receiver are designed and studied. Originality/value: The originality of the present work is in using a modern numerical approach for a well-known application. Also, the effect of Brownian motion is taken into account which significantly enhances the accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This paper aims to analyze the effect of absorber's geometry and operating fluid on the thermal and hydrodynamic behaviors of a solar collector. Two different profiles are proposed for the absorber which is wavy and flat. Also, the inner tube of HTF (i.e. heat transfer fluid) is considered as single and double. The solar collector is filled with hybrid nanofluid of SiO2-TiO2/ ethylene glycol (EG) which its thermal conductivity and dynamic viscosity are measured using KD2 Pro and Brookfield LVDV III Ultra; respectively, in the temperature range of 30°C to 80°C and nanoparticle concentration in the range of 1.5% to 3.5%. Design/methodology/approach: Among the solar collector, the parabolic-trough solar collector is one of the most efficient models for extracting solar thermal power. A parabolic trough solar collector with two different models of absorbers and included with two models of inner HTF tube is proposed. Findings: The corresponding regression equations are derived versus temperature and volume fraction and used in the numerical process. For the numerical process, the thermal lattice Boltzmann method manipulated with a single-node curved scheme is used. Also, in the final step, the second law analysis is carried out in local and volumetric forms. The influential factors are Rayleigh number, the concentration of hybrid nano-powder and the structure of absorber profile. Originality/value: The originality of the present work is combining a modern numerical method (i.e. double-population lattice Boltzmann method) with experimental observation on characteristics of SiO2-TiO2/EG nanofluid to analyze the thermal performance of parabolic trough solar collector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to find the multiple branches of the three-dimensional flow of Cu-Al2 O3/water rotating hybrid nanofluid perfusing a porous medium over the stretching/shrinking surface. The extended model of Darcy due to Forchheimer and Brinkman has been considered to make the hybrid nanofluid model over the pores by considering the porosity and permeability effects. Design/methodology/approach: The Tiwari and Das model with the thermophysical properties of spherical particles for efficient dynamic viscosity of the nanoparticle is used. The linear similarity transformations are applied to convert the partial differential equations into ordinary differential equations (ODEs). The system of governing ODEs is solved by using the three-stage Lobatto IIIa scheme in MATLAB for evolving parameters. Findings: The system of governing ODEs produces dual branches. A unique stable branch is identified with help of stability analysis. The reduced heat transfer rate has been shown to increase with the reduced ϕ2 in both branches. Further, results revealed that the presence of multiple branches depends on the ranges of porosity, suction and stretching/shrinking parameters for the particular value of the rotating parameter. Originality/value: Dual branches of the three-dimensional flow of Cu-Al2 O3/water rotating hybrid nanofluid have been found. Therefore, stability analysis of the branches is also conducted to know which branch is appropriate for the practical applications. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this research is novel and there is no previously published work relevant to the present study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The flow phenomenon of particle image velocimetry has revealed the transition process of the complex multi-scale vortex between the boundary layer and mainstream region. Nonetheless, present computational fluid dynamics methods inadequately distinguish the discernable flows in detail. A multi-physical field coupling model, which was applied in rotor-stator fluid machinery (Umavathi, 2015; Syawitri et al., 2020), was put forward to ensure the identification of multi-scale vortexes and the improvement of performance prediction in torque converter. Design/methodology/approach: A newly-developed multi-physical field simulation framework that coupled the scale-resolving simulation method with a dynamic modified viscosity coefficient was proposed to comparatively investigate the influence of energy exchange on thermal and flow characteristics and the description of the flow field in detail. Findings: Regardless of whether quantitative or qualitative, its description ability on turbulence statistics, pressure-streamline, vortex structure and eddy viscosity ratio were visually experimentally and numerically analyzed. The results revealed that the modification of transmission medium viscous can identify flows more exactly between the viscous sublayer and outer boundary layer. Compared with RANS and large eddy simulation, a stress-blended eddy simulation model with a dynamic modified viscosity coefficient, which was further used to achieve blending on the stress level, can effectively solve the calculating problem of the transition region between the near-wall boundary layer and mainstream region. Research limitations/implications: This indeed provides an excellent description of the transient flow field and vortex structure in different physical flow states. Furthermore, the experimental data has proven that the maximum error of the external performance prediction was less than 4%. Originality/value: An improved model was applied to simulate and analyze the flow mechanism through the evolution of vortex structures in a working chamber, to deepen the designer with a fundamental understanding on how to reduce flow losses and flow non-uniformity in manufacturing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to present a comprehensive hydrothermal analysis on an inclined mini-channel using numerical and experimental techniques. The fin array acts as heat source within the channel, and a wavy wall located at the top of the channel is heat sink. The side walls are insulated with curved profiles. Also, the channel is inclined with four known inclination angles. To solve the governing equations, the dual-multi-relaxation-time lattice Boltzmann method with D2Q9 and D2Q5 lattice models for flow and temperature fields is used, respectively. Also, the channel is filled with SiO2-glycol nanofluid. Design/methodology/approach: Identifying the behavior of a thermal component during natural convective flow is a challenging topic due to its complexities. This paper focuses on analyzing the thermal and hydrodynamic aspects of a narrow channel equipping with fin array. Findings: Two correlations are proposed considering temperature and volume fraction ranges for thermal conductivity and dynamic viscosity according to measured experimental data which are used in the numerical phase. Finally, the structure of flow, temperature distribution of fluid, local thermal and viscous dissipations, volume-averaged entropy production, Bejan number and heat transfer rate are extracted by numerical simulations. The results show that the average Nusselt number enhances about 57% (maximum enhancement percentage) when volume fraction increases from 1% to 3% at Ra = 106 and θ = 90°. In addition, the value of entropy generation is maximum at φ = 1%, Ra = 106 and φ = 90°. Also, the maximum enhancement of entropy generation in range of Ra = 103 to 106 is about 4 times at φ = 1% and θ = 90°. Originality/value: The originality of the present study is combining a modern numerical method (i.e. dual/multi-relaxation-time LBM) with experimental observation on characteristics of SiO2-glycol nanofluid to study the thermal and hydrodynamic properties of the studied mini-channel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Natural convection heat transfer during free convection phenomenon in a cavity included with active fins and pipes is investigated. The influence of the orientation of fins on the heat transfer between heat source (i.e. hot fins) and heat sink (i.e. cold pipes) is investigated by using numerical and experimental techniques. Design/methodology/approach: For the numerical simulations, the multiple relaxation time (MRT) thermal lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) is used. In this numerical approach, two separated distribution functions are used to solve the flow and temperature distributions within the computational domain. Furthermore, the local/volumetric second law analysis is used to show the impact of evaluated parameters on the heat transfer irreversibility. In addition, the dynamic viscosity and thermal conductivity of TiO2-water nanofluid are measured by using Brookfield viscometer and KD2 pro conductmeter, respectively. Findings: The examined range of Rayleigh number is from 103 to 106, and the nanofluid samples are provided in 0, 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100 ppm. Originality/value: The originality of this work is use of dual-MRT thermal LBM and experimental measurements of rheological/thermal properties of nanofluid for investigation of free convection problem for the considered application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This paper aims to provide an experimental/numerical analysis of free convection within a hollow/finned cavity. Design/methodology/approach: The hollow square cavity is equipped with eight active fins which have a similar configuration and different temperatures. Furthermore, four different thermal arrangements are considered to determine the order of temperature for each fin. The coupled lattice Boltzmann method is used, which not only maintains the considerable advantages of standard lattice Boltzmann method such as accuracy but also enhances the stability of this method. Findings: The cavity is filled with TiO2-SiO2/Water-Ethylene Glycol nanofluid. The thermal conductivity and dynamic viscosity of nanofluid are experimentally measured using high-precision devices in six concentrations of the nanoparticle. In this study, some main parameters, including a range of Rayleigh number (103 < Ra < 106), the concentration of nanofluid (0.5 to 3 Vol.%) and thermal arrangements of fins, are considered. The effects of these main parameters on the flow, isotherms, heat transfer performance and entropy generation are studied. Originality/value: The originality of this paper is combining the numerical simulation (lattice Boltzmann method) using a modern approach with experimental observations of nanofluid's properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This paper aims to numerically investigate the magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) convection heat transfer of nanofluid inside a differentially heated enclosure with various fin morphologies. Design/methodology/approach: The fluid flow within the cavity was governed by N-S equations while it within porous medium was solved by the non-Darcy model, called the Darcy–Forchheimer model based on representative element-averaging method. Empirical correlations from experimental data are used to evaluate the effective thermal conductivity and dynamic viscosity. Relevant governing parameters, including thermal Rayleigh number (105-107), Hartmann number (0-50), Darcy number (10−6-10−1), thermal conductivity ratio of porous matrix (1-103), nanoparticles volume fraction (0-0.04) and topology designs of porous fins, are sensitively varied to identify their effects and roles on the fluid flow and heat transfer. Particularly, heatlines are used to investigate the mechanism of heat transport. Findings: Numerical results demonstrate that the predictions of average Nusselt number are augmented by using more porous fins with high permeability, and this effect becomes opposite in tiny Darcy numbers. Particularly, for high Darcy and Rayleigh numbers, the shortest fins could achieve the best performance of heat transfer. In addition, the prediction of average Nusselt number reduces with an increase in Hartmann numbers. An optimal nanoparticles concentration also exists to maximize heat transfer enhancement. Finally, numerical correlations for the average Nusselt number were proposed as functions of these governing parameters. Practical implications: Present work could benefit the thermal design of electronic cooling and thermal carriers in nanofluid engineering. Social implications: Present work could benefit the thermal design of electronic cooling and thermal carriers in nanofluid engineering. In addition, optimum thermal removals could enhance the lifetime of electronics, therefore reducing the cost of energy and materials. Originality/value: To the best knowledge of authors, there are not any studies considering the synergetic effects of porous fins on MHD convection of nanofluids. Present work could benefit the thermal design of electronic cooling and thermal carriers in nanofluid engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This paper aims to investigate numerically buoyancy-induced convection from a pair of differentially heated horizontal circular cylinders set side by side in a nanofluid-filled adiabatic square enclosure, inclined with respect to gravity so that the heated cylinder is located below the cooled one, using a two-phase model based on the double-diffusive approach assuming that the Brownian diffusion and thermophoresis are the only slip mechanisms by which the solid phase can develop a significant relative velocity with respect to the liquid phase. Design/methodology/approach: The system of the governing equations of continuity, momentum and energy for the nanofluid, and continuity for the nanoparticles, is solved by a computational code based on the SIMPLE-C algorithm. Numerical simulations are performed for Al2O3 + H2O nanofluids using the average volume fraction of the suspended solid phase, the tilting angle of the enclosure, the nanoparticle size, the average nanofluid temperature and the inter-cylinder spacing, as independent variables. Findings: The main results obtained may be summarized as follows: at high temperatures, the nanofluid heat transfer performance relative to that of the pure base liquid increases with increasing the average volume fraction of the suspended solid phase, whereas at low temperatures it has a peak at an optimal particle loading; the relative heat transfer performance of the nanofluid has a peak at an optimal tilting angle of the enclosure; the relative heat transfer performance of the nanofluid increases notably as the average temperature is increased, and just moderately as inter-cylinder spacing is increased and the nanoparticle size is decreased. Originality/value: The two-phase computational code used in the present study incorporates three empirical correlations for the evaluation of the effective thermal conductivity, the effective dynamic viscosity and the coefficient of thermophoretic diffusion, all based on a high number of literature experimental data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This paper aims to investigate the free convection, heat transfer and entropy generation numerically and experientially. A numerical/experimental investigation is carried out to investigate the free convection hydrodynamically/thermally and entropy generation. Design/methodology/approach: The coupled lattice Boltzmann method is used as a numerical approach which keeps the significant advantages of standard lattice Boltzmann method with better numerical stability. On the other hand, the thermal conductivity and dynamic viscosity are measured using modern devices in the laboratory. Findings: Some correlations based on the temperature at different nanofluid concentration are derived and used in the numerical simulations. In this regard, the results will be accurate with respect to using theoretical properties of nanofluid, and close agreements will be detected between present results and the previous numerical and experimental works. The numerical investigation is done under the effect of Rayleigh number (103 < Ra < 106), volume concentration of nanofluid (?? = 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5 and 3%) and thermal configuration of the cavity (Cases A, B, C and D). Originality/value: The originality of the present work lies in coupling of the lattice Boltzmann method with experimental observations to analyse the free convection in a cavity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The MRT lattice Boltzmann simulation of natural convection in a confined environment is carried out. The flow and heat transfer during natural convection in a symmetrical annulus are studied. Design/methodology/approach: The cavity is filled with TiO2-water nanofluid, and the thermal conductivity and dynamic viscosity of nanofluid are measured experimentally. The experimental data are utilized in the numerical simulations. The nanofluids are prepared at four different nanoparticle concentrations φ = 0, 0.1, 0.3 and 0.5. It is notable that the radial coordinate is used into the temperature distribution function. As a result, only one source term is required for the present lattice Boltzmann model. On the other hand, the macro cylindrical energy equation is exactly recovered using Chapman–Enskog analysis. Findings: Influence of some main parameters including Rayleigh number in range of 103 to 106, solid volume fraction of nanofluid in range of 0 to 0.5 and four different aspect ratios on the the nanofluid flow (i.e. streamlines), heat transfer (i.e. temperature distribution and average Nusselt number) and entropy generation (i.e. total entropy generation and Bejan number) are presented, quantitatively and graphically. It is found that adding TiO2 nanoparticles to the base fluid has considerable positive effect on the heat transfer performance and entropy generation. In addition, the configuration of the annulus can be good controlling parameter on the heat transfer rate during natural convection. Originality/value: The originality of this work is using of a modern numerical method to simulate the free convection and conducting experimental observations to calculate the thermo-physical properties of nanofluid. In addition, the numerical and experimental works are combined to provide accurate results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This paper aims to numerically investigate the nanofluid flow, heat transfer and entropy generation during natural convection in an annulus. Design/methodology/approach: The lattice Boltzmann method is used to simulate the velocity and temperature fields. Furthermore, some special modifications are applied to make the lattice Boltzmann method capable for simulation in the curved boundary conditions. The annulus is filled with CuO-water nanofluid. The dynamic viscosity of nanofluid is estimated using KLL (Koo-Kleinstreuer-Li) model, and the nanoparticle shape effect is taken account in calculating the thermal conductivity. On the other hand, the local/volumetric entropy generation is used to show the irreversibility under influence of different parameters. Findings: The effect of considered governing parameters including Rayleigh number (103

Purpose: The nanofluid flow and heat transfer within a heat exchanger, with different thermal arrangements of internal active bodies, are investigated. Design/methodology/approach: For the numerical simulations, the lattice Boltzmann method is utilized. The KKL model is used to predict the dynamic viscosity of CuO-water nanofluid. Furthermore, the Brownian method is taken account using this model. The influence of shapes of nanoparticles on the heat transfer performance is considered. Findings: The results show that the platelet nanoparticles render higher average Nusselt number showing better heat transfer performance. In order to perform comprehensive analysis, the heatline visualization, local and total entropy generation, local and average Nusselt variation are employed. Originality/value: The originality of this work is carrying out a comprehensive investigation of nanofluid flow and heat transfer during natural convection using lattice Boltzmann method and employing second law analysis and heatline visualization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The lattice Boltzmann method is used to simulate the nanofluid flow and heat transfer inside a finned multi-pipe heat exchanger. Design/methodology/approach: The heat exchanger is filled with CuO-water nanofluid. The Koo–Kleinstreuer–Li (KKL) model is used to estimate the dynamic viscosity and considering the Brownian motion in the simulation. On the other hand, the influence of nanoparticles' shapes on the heat transfer rate is considered, and the best efficient shape is selected to be used in the investigation. Findings: The Rayleigh number, nanoparticle concentration and the thermal arrangements of internal active fins and bodies are the governing parameters. In addition, the impacts of these two parameters on the nanofluid flow, heat transfer rate, local and total entropy generation and heatline visualization are analyzed, comprehensively. Originality/value: The originality of this work is using of lattice Boltzmann method for simulation of nanofluid flow and heat transfer during natural convection in a heat exchanger. Furthermore, influence of the shape of nanoparticles on the thermo-physical properties of nanofluid is analyzed using Koo–Kleinstreuer–Li correlation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: A comprehensive study on the fluid flow and heat transfer in a nanofluid channel is carried out. The configuration of the channel is as like as quarter channel. The channel is filled with CuO–water nanofluid. Design/methodology/approach: The Koo–Kleinstreuer–Li model is used to estimate the dynamic viscosity and consider the Brownian motion. On the other hand, the influence of nanoparticles' shapes on the heat transfer rate is considered in the simulations. The channel is included with the injection pipes which are modeled as active bodies with constant temperature in the 2D simulations. Findings: The Rayleigh number, nanoparticle concentration and the thermal arrangements of internal pipes are the governing parameters. The hydrothermal aspects of natural convection are investigation using different approaches such as average Nusselt number, total entropy generation, Bejan number, streamlines, temperature fields, local heat transfer irreversibility, local fluid friction irreversibility and heatlines. Originality/value: The originality of this work is investigation of fluid flow, heat transfer, entropy generation and heatline visualization within a nanofluid-filled channel using a finite volume method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose -- The purpose of this paper is to investigate natural convection fluid flow and heat transfer inside C-shaped enclosures filled with Cu-Water nanofluid numerically using the finite difference method. Design/methodology/approach -- In this investigation, the finite difference method is employed to solve the governing equations with the boundary conditions. Central difference quotients were used to approximate the second derivatives in both the X and Y directions. Then, the obtained discretized equations are solved using a Gauss-Seidel iteration technique. Findings -- It was found from the obtained results that the mean Nusselt number increased with increase in Rayleigh number and volume fraction of Cu nanoparticles regardless aspect ratio of the enclosure. Moreover the obtained results showed that the rate of heat transfer increased with decreasing the aspect ratio of the cavity. Also, it was found that the rate of heat transfer increased with increase in nanoparticles volume fraction. Also at low Rayleigh numbers, the effect of Cu nanoparticles on enhancement of heat transfer for narrow enclosures was more than that for wide enclosures. Originality/value -- This paper is relatively original for considering C-shaped cavity with nanofluids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to make a numerical study of natural convection of water-based nanofluids in a square cavity when a discrete heat source is embedded on the bottom wall, applying a "nanofluid-oriented" model for the calculation of the effective thermal conductivity (Xu-Yu-Zou-Xu's model) and the effective dynamic viscosity (Jang-Lee-Hwang-Choi's model). Another motivation is the numerical solution of the equations of the flow with a meshless method. Design/methodology/approach – A meshless point collocation method with moving least squares (MLS) approximation is used. A test validation study of the numerical method takes place for pure water flow, as well for water/Al2O3 nanofluids. The influence of pertinent parameters such as Rayleigh number (Ra), the non-uniform nanoparticle size keeping the mean nanoparticle diameter fixed, the volume fraction of nanoparticles and the location of heat source on the cooling performance are studied. Findings – The presence of a discrete heat source, as well as the various thermal boundary conditions affects the characteristics of the nanofluid flow and heat transfer. When the ratio of minimum to maximum nanoparticle diameter is increased, the local Nusselt number is increased and the heat source temperature is decreased. The increase of solid volume fraction of nanoparticles causes the heat source maximum temperature to decrease and the Nusselt Number to increase. Originality/value – The present study constitutes an original contribution to the nanofluid flow and heat transfer characteristics when a discrete heat source is presence. "Nanofluid-oriented" models are used for the calculation of the effective thermal conductivity and dynamic viscosity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]