Numerical study on the thermo-hydraulic performance analysis of fly ash nanofluid

The heat transfer and flow characteristics of water-based fly ash nanofluid for concentrations of 0.1–1.5 vol.% that flow through a copper tube at an inlet fluid temperature of 303 K with constant heat flux boundary conditions are estimated numerically. Stability, viscosity, and thermal conductivity of fly ash nanofluid have been determined experimentally and compared with correlations available in the literature. STAR CCM + software was used to solve the governing equations using the finite volume method (FVM). Water and stable fly ash nanofluid were used as working fluids for the Reynolds number range of 4500–16,000. The Nusselt number and friction factor at 1.5% volume concentration are greater than the base fluid by 36% and 9.4%, respectively. The fly ash nanofluid showed a performance index ( $$\eta$$ ) value of more than 1 at all concentrations undertaken, indicating that the use of fly ash nanofluid in heat transfer applications is beneficial. The highest $$\eta$$ value is determined to be 1.5 approximately for a nanofluid concentration of 1.5 vol.%. The fly ash nanofluid exhibits enhanced heat transfer performance contrasted to SiO2 nanofluid. The utilization of fly ash particles for heat transfer enhancement can aid in the reduction of environmental pollution to a certain extent. Novel correlations are suggested for the estimation of fly ash nanofluid Nusselt number and friction factor.