Modeling of mixed convective heat transfer utilizing nanofluid in a double lid-driven chamber with internal heat generation

Abstract

Purpose

This work is focused on the numerical modeling of mixed convective heat transfer in a double lid-driven cavity filled with water-CuO nanofluid in the presence of internal heat generation. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

The flow field is modeled using a generalized form of the momentum and energy equations. Discretization of the governing equations is achieved using the penalty finite element scheme based on the Galerkin method of weighted residuals.

Findings

The effects of pertinent parameters such as the internal heat generation parameter (Q), the Richardson number (Ri) and the solid volume fraction () on the flow and heat transfer characteristics are presented and discussed. The obtained results depict that the Richardson number plays a significant role on the heat transfer characterization within the triangular wavy chamber. Also, the present results show that an increase in volume fraction has a significant effect on the flow patterns.

Research limitations/implications

Because of the chosen research approach numerically, the research results may lack generalisability. Therefore, researchers are encouraged to test the proposed propositions experimentally.

Practical implications

A nanofluid is a base fluid with suspended metallic nanoparticles. Because traditional fluids used for heat transfer applications such as water, mineral oils and ethylene glycol have a rather low thermal conductivity, nanofluids with relatively higher thermal conductivities have attracted enormous interest from researchers due to their potential in enhancement of heat transfer with little or no penalty in pressure drop.

Originality/value

This paper fulfils an identified need to study how brand-supportive behaviour can be enabled.

Citation

Nasrin, R., Alim, M.A. and J. Chamkha, A. (2014), "Modeling of mixed convective heat transfer utilizing nanofluid in a double lid-driven chamber with internal heat generation", International Journal of Numerical Methods for Heat & Fluid Flow, Vol. 24 No. 1, pp. 36-57. https://doi.org/10.1108/HFF-11-2011-0239