Investigating Rising Bubbles in Air-nanofluid Two-phase Flow: A Vertical Channel Simulation Approach

Abstract

The study analyzes the unique behavior of two-phase flows when incorporating nanofluids containing aluminum trioxide (Al2O3) and copper (Cu) nanoparticles in a vertical channel. The main goal is to investigate the behavior of air-nanofluid mixtures in this setting, with potential implications for industrial and exploration applications. Research in this area could provide valuable insights into the dynamics of these flows and their impact on heat transfer, fluid dynamics, and material science. This study includes an analysis of upwelling dynamics, the effect of fluid characteristics on bubble growth, and the system's thermal efficiency. Using numerical and quantitative visualization techniques, we seek to understand the behavior of these particles at the interface between the liquid and gas phases by integrating Al2O3 and Cu nanoparticles into the VOF approach. Because of their superior thermal conductivity, copper nanoparticles have a higher volumetric density and provide more efficient heat transfer, leading to quick and efficient thermal dissipation. Smaller nanoparticles offer an increased surface area-to-volume ratio, which improves heat transfer capabilities and ensures uniform heat dissipation throughout the material. Consequently, copper nanoparticles emerge as the preferred choice for applications necessitating high thermal transfer and optimal performance. These results significantly impact the design of more efficient heat exchangers and optimize recovery techniques by elucidating the interactions between these nanoparticles and the surrounding fluids. Furthermore, the selection of smaller copper nanoparticles further amplifies thermal transfer, maximizing performance across diverse applications.

Keywords

• two-phase flows
• air-nanofluids
• heat transfer
• vertical channel
• bubble
• volumetric density