Analysis of nanofluid flow and heat transfer inside a channel with smoothed particle hydrodynamics

Abstract

The present study aims to examine the utilization of nanofluids in various channel designs, considering their significant role in heat exchangers. Three schematics are introduced for placing blocks within the channel, aiming to enhance the heat transfer rate and flow temperature variation. Additionally, a parametric study is conducted to analyze the impact of flow parameters and geometrical variables on the objectives. To accurately assess the effectiveness of nanoparticles on heat transfer between the flow and channel walls, smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) is employed to model the fluid flow (water) and nanoparticles (CuO) ranging from 0 to 5 % within the flow. The findings of this study reveal that an increase in Reynolds number from 50 to 70 or nanofluid volume fraction from 0 to 5 % leads to a higher average Nusselt number(to 37 %). Furthermore, positioning the blocks in the middle of the channel induces more turbulence in the flow, resulting in increased contact with higher-temperature walls and subsequently higher local Nusselt numbers(to 48.8 %). In addition, employing proposed design increase the outlet temperature about 20.5 %.