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Article
Publication date: 15 January 2024

Nirmalendu Biswas, Deep Chatterjee, Sandip Sarkar and Nirmal K. Manna

This study aims to investigate the influence of wall curvature in a semicircular thermal annular system on magneto-nanofluidic flow, heat transfer and entropy generation. The…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the influence of wall curvature in a semicircular thermal annular system on magneto-nanofluidic flow, heat transfer and entropy generation. The analysis is conducted under constant cooling surface and fluid volume constraints.

Design/methodology/approach

The mathematical equations describing the thermo-fluid flow in the semicircular system are solved using the finite element technique. Four different heating wall configurations are considered, varying the undulation numbers of the heated wall. Parametric variations of bottom wall undulation (f), buoyancy force characterized by the Rayleigh number (Ra), magnetic field strength represented by the Hartmann number (Ha) and inclination of the magnetic field (γ) on the overall thermal performance are studied extensively.

Findings

This study reveals that the fluid circulation strength is maximum in the case of a flat bottom wall. The analysis shows that the bottom wall contour and other control parameters significantly influence fluid flow, entropy production and heat transfer. The modified heated wall with a single undulation exhibits the highest entropy production and thermal convection, leading to a heat transfer enhancement of up to 21.85% compared to a flat bottom. The magnetic field intensity and orientation have a significant effect on heat transfer and irreversibility production.

Research limitations/implications

Further research can explore a wider range of parameter values, alternative heating wall profiles and boundary conditions to expand the understanding of magneto-nanofluidic flow in semicircular thermal systems.

Originality/value

This study introduces a constraint-based analysis of magneto-nanofluidic thermal behavior in a complex semicircular thermal system, providing insights into the impact of wall curvature on heat transfer performance. The findings contribute to the design and optimization of thermal systems in various applications.

Details

International Journal of Numerical Methods for Heat & Fluid Flow, vol. 34 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0961-5539

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 30 April 2024

Farooq H. Ali, Mushtaq F. Almensoury, Atheer Saad Hashim, Qusay Rasheed Al-Amir, Hameed K. Hamzah and M. Hatami

This paper aims to study the effect of concentric hot circular cylinder inside egg-cavity porous-copper nanofluid on natural convection phenomena.

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to study the effect of concentric hot circular cylinder inside egg-cavity porous-copper nanofluid on natural convection phenomena.

Design/methodology/approach

The finite element method–based Galerkin approach is applied to solve numerically the set of governing equations with appropriate boundary conditions.

Findings

The effects of different range parameters, such as Darcy number (10–3 = Da = 10–1), Rayleigh number (103 = Ra = 106), nanoparticle volume fraction (0 = ϑ = 0.06) and eccentricity (−0.3 = e = 0.1) on the fluid flow represent by stream function and heat transfer represent by temperature distribution, local and average Nusselt numbers.

Research limitations/implications

A comparison between oval shape and concentric circular concentric cylinder was investigated.

Originality/value

In the current numerical study, heat transfer by natural convection was identified inside the new design of egg-shaped cavity as a result of the presence of a circular inside it supported by a porous medium filled with a nanofluid. After reviewing previous studies and considering the importance of heat transfer by free convection inside tubes for many applications, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, the current work is the first study that deals with a study and comparison between the common shape (concentric circular tubes) and the new shape (egg-shaped cavity).

Details

International Journal of Numerical Methods for Heat & Fluid Flow, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0961-5539

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 2 November 2023

H.A. Kumara Swamy, Sankar Mani, N. Keerthi Reddy and Younghae Do

One of the major challenges in the design of thermal equipment is to minimize the entropy production and enhance the thermal dissipation rate for improving energy efficiency of…

Abstract

Purpose

One of the major challenges in the design of thermal equipment is to minimize the entropy production and enhance the thermal dissipation rate for improving energy efficiency of the devices. In several industrial applications, the structure of thermal device is cylindrical shape. In this regard, this paper aims to explore the impact of isothermal cylindrical solid block on nanofluid (Ag – H2O) convective flow and entropy generation in a cylindrical annular chamber subjected to different thermal conditions. Furthermore, the present study also addresses the structural impact of cylindrical solid block placed at the center of annular domain.

Design/methodology/approach

The alternating direction implicit and successive over relaxation techniques are used in the current investigation to solve the coupled partial differential equations. Furthermore, estimation of average Nusselt number and total entropy generation involves integration and is achieved by Simpson and Trapezoidal’s rules, respectively. Mesh independence checks have been carried out to ensure the accuracy of numerical results.

Findings

Computations have been performed to analyze the simultaneous multiple influences, such as different thermal conditions, size and aspect ratio of the hot obstacle, Rayleigh number and nanoparticle shape on buoyancy-driven nanoliquid movement, heat dissipation, irreversibility distribution, cup-mixing temperature and performance evaluation criteria in an annular chamber. The computational results reveal that the nanoparticle shape and obstacle size produce conducive situation for increasing system’s thermal efficiency. Furthermore, utilization of nonspherical shaped nanoparticles enhances the heat transfer rate with minimum entropy generation in the enclosure. Also, greater performance evaluation criteria has been noticed for larger obstacle for both uniform and nonuniform heating.

Research limitations/implications

The current numerical investigation can be extended to further explore the thermal performance with different positions of solid obstacle, inclination angles, by applying Lorentz force, internal heat generation and so on numerically or experimentally.

Originality/value

A pioneering numerical investigation on the structural influence of hot solid block on the convective nanofluid flow, energy transport and entropy production in an annular space has been analyzed. The results in the present study are novel, related to various modern industrial applications. These results could be used as a firsthand information for the design engineers to obtain highly efficient thermal systems.

Details

International Journal of Numerical Methods for Heat & Fluid Flow, vol. 34 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0961-5539

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 30 October 2023

N. Keerthi Reddy, Aejung Yoon, Sankar Mani and H.A. Kumara Swamy

Natural convection in finite enclosures is a common phenomenon in various thermal applications. To provide the thermal design guidelines, this study aims to numerically explore…

Abstract

Purpose

Natural convection in finite enclosures is a common phenomenon in various thermal applications. To provide the thermal design guidelines, this study aims to numerically explore the potential of using internal baffles and nanofluids to either enhance or suppress heat transport in a vertical annulus. Furthermore, the annular-shaped enclosure is filled with aqueous-silver nanofluid and the effects of five distinct nanoparticle shapes are examined. In addition, the influence of baffle design parameters, including baffle position, thickness and length, is thoroughly analyzed.

Design/methodology/approach

The finite difference method is used in conjunction with the alternating direction implicit and successive line over relaxation techniques to solve nonlinear and coupled partial differential equations. The single phase model is used for nanofluid which is considered as a homogeneous fluid with improved thermal properties. The independence tests are carried out for assessing the sufficiency of grid size and time step for obtaining results accurately.

Findings

The baffle dimension parameters and nanoparticle shape exhibit significant impact on the convective flow and heat transfer characteristics, leading to the following results: sphere- and blade-shaped nanoparticles demonstrate around 30% enhancement in the heat transport capability compared with platelet-shaped nanoparticles, which exhibit the least. When considering the baffle design parameter, either a decrease in the baffle length and thickness or an increase in baffle height leads to an improvement in heat transport rate. Consequently, a threefold increase in baffle height yields a 40% improvement in thermal performance.

Originality/value

Understanding the impact of nanoparticle shapes and baffle design parameters on flow and thermal behavior will enable engineers to provide valuable insight on thermal management and overall system efficiency. Therefore, the current work focuses on exploring buoyant nanofluid flow and thermal mechanism in a baffled annular-shaped enclosure. Specifically, an internal baffle that exhibits conductive heat transfer through it is considered, and the impact of baffle dimensions (thickness, length and position) on the fluid flow behavior and thermal characteristics is investigated. In addition, the current study also addresses the influence of five distinct nanoparticle shapes (e.g. spherical, cylindrical, platelet, blade and brick) on the flow and thermal behavior in the baffled annular geometry. In addition to deepening the understanding of nanofluid behavior in a baffled vertical annulus, the current study contributes to the ongoing advancements in thermal applications by providing certain guidelines to design application-specific enclosures.

Details

International Journal of Numerical Methods for Heat & Fluid Flow, vol. 34 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0961-5539

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 5 January 2024

Fateh Mebarek-Oudina, Ines Chabani, Hanumesh Vaidya and Abdul Aziz I. Ismail

This paper aims to present a numerical study that investigates the flow of MgO-Al2O3/water hybrid nanofluid inside a porous elliptical-shaped cavity, in which we aim to examine…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to present a numerical study that investigates the flow of MgO-Al2O3/water hybrid nanofluid inside a porous elliptical-shaped cavity, in which we aim to examine the performance of this thermal system when exposed to a magnetic field via heat transfer features and entropy generation.

Design/methodology/approach

The configuration consists of the hybrid nanofluid out layered by a cold ellipse while it surrounds a non-square heated obstacle; the thermal structure is under the influence of a horizontal magnetic field. This problem is implemented in COMSOL multiphysics, which solves the related equations described by the “Darcy-Forchheimer-Brinkman” model through the finite element method.

Findings

The results illustrated as streamlines, isotherms and average Nusselt number, along with the entropy production, are given as functions of: the volume fraction, and shape factor to assess the behaviour of the properties of the nanoparticles. Darcy number and porosity to designate the impact of the porous features of the enclosure, and finally the strength of the magnetic induction described as Hartmann number. The outcomes show the increased pattern of the thermal and dynamical behaviour of the hybrid nanofluid when augmenting the concentration, shape factor, porosity and Darcy number; however, it also engenders increased formations of irreversibilities in the system that were revealed to enhance with the permeability and the great properties of the nanofluid. Nevertheless, this thermal enhanced pattern is shown to degrade with strong Hartmann values, which also reduced both thermal and viscous entropies. Therefore, it is advised to minimize the magnetic influence to promote better heat exchange.

Originality/value

The investigation of irreversibilities in nanofluids heat transfer is an important topic of research with practical implications for the design and optimization of heat transfer systems. The study’s findings can help improve the performance and efficiency of these systems, as well as contribute to the development of sustainable energy technologies. The study also offers an intriguing approach that evaluates entropy growth in this unusual configuration with several parameters, which has the potential to transform our understanding of complicated fluid dynamics and thermodynamic processes, and at the end obtain the best thermal configuration possible.

Details

International Journal of Numerical Methods for Heat & Fluid Flow, vol. 34 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0961-5539

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 2 August 2023

Madhuchhanda Bhattacharya and Tanmay Basak

A few earlier studies presented infeasible heatline trajectories for natural convection within annular domains involving an inner circular cylinder and outer square/circular…

Abstract

Purpose

A few earlier studies presented infeasible heatline trajectories for natural convection within annular domains involving an inner circular cylinder and outer square/circular enclosure. The purpose of this paper is to revisit and illustrate the correct heatline trajectories for various test cases.

Design/methodology/approach

Galerkin finite element based methodology and space adaptive grid have been used to simulate natural convective flows within the annular domains. The prediction of heatlines involves derivatives at the nodes, which are evaluated based on finite element basis functions and contributions from neighboring elements.

Findings

The heatlines in the earlier work indicate infeasible heat flow paths such as heat flow from one portion to the other of isothermal hot walls and heat flow across the adiabatic walls. Current results illustrate physically consistent heat flow paths involving perpendicularly emerging heatlines from hot to cold walls for conductive transport, long heat flow paths around the closed-loop heatline cells for convective transport and parallel layout of heatlines to the adiabatic walls. Results also demonstrate complex heatlines involving multiple flow vortices and complex flow structures.

Originality/value

Current work translates heatfunctions from energy flux vectors, which are determined by using basis sets. This work demonstrates the expected heatline trajectories for various scenarios involving conductive and convective heat transport within enclosures with an inner hot object as a first attempt, and the results are precursors for the understanding of energy flow estimates.

Details

International Journal of Numerical Methods for Heat & Fluid Flow, vol. 33 no. 11
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0961-5539

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 5 September 2023

Nikesh Chowrasia, Subramani S.N., Harish Pothukuchi and B.S.V. Patnaik

Subcooled flow boiling phenomenon is characterized by coolant phase change in the vicinity of the heated wall. Although coolant phase change from liquid to vapour phase…

Abstract

Purpose

Subcooled flow boiling phenomenon is characterized by coolant phase change in the vicinity of the heated wall. Although coolant phase change from liquid to vapour phase significantly enhances the heat transfer coefficient due to latent heat of vaporization, eventually the formed vapor bubbles may coalesce and deteriorate the heat transfer from the heated wall to the liquid phase. Due to the poor heat transfer characteristics of the vapour phase, the heat transfer rate drastically reduces when it reaches a specific value of wall heat flux. Such a threshold value is identified as critical heat flux (CHF), and the phenomenon is known as departure from nucleate boiling (DNB). An accurate prediction of CHF and its location is critical to the safe operation of nuclear reactors. Therefore, the present study aims at the prediction of DNB type CHF in a hexagonal sub-assembly.

Design/methodology/approach

Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations are performed to predict DNB in a hexagonal sub-assembly. The methodology uses an Eulerian–Eulerian multiphase flow (EEMF) model in conjunction with multiple size group (MuSiG) model. The breakup and coalescence of vapour bubbles are accounted using a population balance approach.

Findings

Bubble departure diameter parameters in EEMF framework are recalibrated to simulate the near atmospheric pressure conditions. The predictions from the modified correlation for bubble departure diameter are found to be in good agreement against the experimental data. The simulations are further extended to investigate the influence of blockage (b) on DNB type CHF at low operating pressure conditions. Larger size vapour bubbles are observed to move away from the corner sub-channel region due to the presence of blockage. Corner sub-channels were found to be more prone to experience DNB type CHF compared to the interior and edge sub-channels.

Practical implications

An accurate prediction of CHF and its location is critical to the safe operation of nuclear reactors. Moreover, a wide spectrum of heat transfer equipment of engineering interest will be benefited by an accurate prediction of wall characteristics using breakup and coalescence-based models as described in the present study.

Originality/value

Simulations are performed to predict DNB type CHF. The EEMF and wall heat flux partition model framework coupled with the MuSiG model is novel, and a detailed variation of the coolant velocity, temperature and vapour volume fraction in a hexagonal sub-assembly was obtained. The present CFD model framework was observed to predict the onset of vapour volume fraction and DNB type CHF. Simulations are further extended to predict CHF in a hexagonal sub-assembly under the influence of blockage. For all the values of blockage, the vapour volume fraction is found to be higher in the corner region, and thus the corner sub-channel experiences CHF. Although DNB type CHF is observed in corner sub-channel, it is noticed that the presence of blockage in the interior sub-channel promotes the coolant mixing and results in higher values of CHF in the corner sub-channel.

Details

International Journal of Numerical Methods for Heat & Fluid Flow, vol. 33 no. 12
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0961-5539

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 5 February 2024

Prabir Barman, Srinivasa Rao Pentyala and B.V. Rathish Kumar

A porous cavity flow field generates entropy owing to energy and momentum exchange within the fluid and at solid barriers. The heat transport and viscosity effects on fluid and…

Abstract

Purpose

A porous cavity flow field generates entropy owing to energy and momentum exchange within the fluid and at solid barriers. The heat transport and viscosity effects on fluid and solid walls irreversibly generate entropy. This numerical study aims to investigate convective heat transfer together with entropy generation in a partially heated wavy porous cavity filled with a hybrid nanofluid.

Design/methodology/approach

The governing equations are nondimensionalized and the domain is transformed into a unit square. A second-order finite difference method is used to have numerical solutions to nondimensional unknowns such as stream function and temperature. This numerical computation is conducted to explore a wide range of regulating parameters, e.g. hybrid nano-particle volume fraction (σ = 0.1%, 0.33%, 0.75%, 1%, 2%), Rayleigh–Darcy number (Ra = 10, 102, 103), dimensionless length of the heat source (ϵ = 0.25, 0.50,1.0) and amplitude of the wave (a = 0.05, 0.10, 0.15) for a number of undulations (N = 1, 3) per unit length.

Findings

A thorough analysis is conducted to analyze the effect of multiple factors such as thermal convective forces, heat source, surface corrugation factors, nanofluid volume fraction and other parameters on entropy generation. The flow and temperature fields are studied through streamlines and isotherms. The average Bejan number suggested that entropy generation is entirely dominated by irreversibility due to heat transport at Ra = 10, and the irreversibility due to the viscosity effect is severe at Ra = 103, but the increment in s augments irreversibility due to the viscosity effect over the heat transport at Ra = 102.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this numerical study, for the first time, analyzes the influence of surface corrugation on the entropy generation related to the cooling of a partial heat source by the convection of a hybrid nanofluid.

Details

International Journal of Numerical Methods for Heat & Fluid Flow, vol. 34 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0961-5539

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 3 April 2024

Nirmal K. Manna, Abhinav Saha, Nirmalendu Biswas and Koushik Ghosh

This paper aims to investigate the thermal performance of equivalent square and circular thermal systems and compare the heat transport and irreversibility of magnetohydrodynamic…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the thermal performance of equivalent square and circular thermal systems and compare the heat transport and irreversibility of magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) nanofluid flow within these systems.

Design/methodology/approach

The research uses a constraint-based approach to analyze the impact of geometric shapes on heat transfer and irreversibility. Two equivalent systems, a square cavity and a circular cavity, are examined, considering identical heating/cooling lengths and fluid flow volume. The analysis includes parameters such as magnetic field strength, nanoparticle concentration and accompanying irreversibility.

Findings

This study reveals that circular geometry outperforms square geometry in terms of heat flow, fluid flow and heat transfer. The equivalent circular thermal system is more efficient, with heat transfer enhancements of approximately 17.7%. The corresponding irreversibility production rate is also higher, which is up to 17.6%. The total irreversibility production increases with Ra and decreases with a rise in Ha. However, the effect of magnetic field orientation (γ) on total EG is minor.

Research limitations/implications

Further research can explore additional geometric shapes, orientations and boundary conditions to expand the understanding of thermal performance in different configurations. Experimental validation can also complement the numerical analysis presented in this study.

Originality/value

This research introduces a constraint-based approach for evaluating heat transport and irreversibility in MHD nanofluid flow within square and circular thermal systems. The comparison of equivalent geometries and the consideration of constraint-based analysis contribute to the originality and value of this work. The findings provide insights for designing optimal thermal systems and advancing MHD nanofluid flow control mechanisms, offering potential for improved efficiency in various applications.

Graphical Abstract

Details

International Journal of Numerical Methods for Heat & Fluid Flow, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0961-5539

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 26 December 2023

Aniket Halder, Arabdha Bhattacharya, Nirmalendu Biswas, Nirmal K. Manna and Dipak Kumar Mandal

The purpose of this study is to carry out a comprehensive analysis of magneto-hydrodynamics (MHD), nanofluidic flow dynamics and heat transfer as well as thermodynamic…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to carry out a comprehensive analysis of magneto-hydrodynamics (MHD), nanofluidic flow dynamics and heat transfer as well as thermodynamic irreversibility, within a novel butterfly-shaped cavity. Gaining a thorough understanding of these phenomena will help to facilitate the design and optimization of thermal systems with complex geometries under magnetic fields in diverse applications.

Design/methodology/approach

To achieve the objective, the finite element method is used to solve the governing equations of the problem. The effects of various controlling parameters such as butterfly-shaped triangle vertex angle (T), Rayleigh number (Ra), Hartmann number (Ha) and magnetic field inclination angle (γ ) on the hydrothermal performance are analyzed meticulously. By investigating the effects of these parameters, the authors contribute to the existing knowledge by shedding light on their influence on heat and fluid transport within butterfly-shaped cavities.

Findings

The major findings of this study reveal that the geometrical shape significantly alters fluid motion, heat transfer and irreversibility production. Maximum heat transfer, as well as entropy generation, occurs when the Rayleigh number reaches its maximum, the Hartmann number is minimized and the angle of the magnetic field is set to 30° or 150°, while the butterfly wings angle or vertex angle is kept at a maximum of 120°. The intensity of the magnetic field significantly controls the heat flow dynamics, with higher magnetic field strength causing a reduction in the flow strength as well as heat transfer. This configuration optimizes the heat transfer characteristics in the system.

Research limitations/implications

Further research can be expanded on this study by examining thermal performance under different curvature effects, orientations, boundary conditions and additional factors. This can be accomplished through numerical simulations or experimental investigations under various multiphysical scenarios.

Practical implications

The geometric configurations explored in this research have practical applications in various engineering fields, including heat exchangers, crystallization processes, microelectronic devices, energy storage systems, mixing processes, food processing, air-conditioning, filtration and more.

Originality/value

This study brings value by exploring a novel geometric configuration comprising the nanofluidic flow, and MHD effect, providing insights and potential innovations in the field of thermal fluid dynamics. The findings contribute a lot toward maximizing thermal performance in diverse fields of applications. The comparison of different hydrothermal behavior and thermodynamic entropy production under the varying geometric configuration adds novelty to this study.

Details

International Journal of Numerical Methods for Heat & Fluid Flow, vol. 34 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0961-5539

Keywords

1 – 10 of 18