Numerical Analysis of Natural Convection in an Annular Cavity Filled with Hybrid Nanofluids under Magnetic Field

Abstract

This paper presents a numerical study of natural convection in an annular cavity filled with a hybrid nanofluid under the influence of a magnetic field. This study is significant for applications requiring enhanced thermal management, such as in heat exchangers, electronics cooling, and energy systems. The inner cylinder, equipped with fins and subjected to uniform volumetric heat generation, contrasts with the adiabatic outer cylinder. This study aims to investigate how different nanoparticle combinations (Fe3O4 with Cu, Ag, and Al2O3) and varying Hartmann and Rayleigh numbers impact heat transfer efficiency. The finite volume method is employed to solve the governing equations, with simulations conducted using Fluent 6.3.26. Parameters such as volume fraction (ϕ2 = 0.001, 0.004, 0.006), Hartmann number (0 ≤ Ha ≤ 100), Rayleigh number (3 × 103 ≤ Ra ≤ 2.4 × 104), and fin number (N = 0, 2, 4, 6, 8) are analyzed. Streamlines, isotherms, and induced magnetic field contours are utilized to assess flow structure and heat transfer. The results reveal that increasing the Rayleigh number and magnetic field enhances heat transfer, while the presence of fins, especially at N = 2, may inhibit convection currents and reduce heat transfer efficiency. These findings provide valuable insights into optimizing nanofluid-based cooling systems and highlight the trade-offs in incorporating fins in thermal management designs.

Keywords

• hybrid nanofluids
• magnetic field
• natural convection
• annular cavity
• fins
• volumetric heat generation