Computational role of the heat transfer phenomenon in the reactive dynamics of catalytic nanolubricant flow past a horizontal microchannel

Abstract

A numerical simulation is conducted to examine the impact of heat source on reactive dynamics of catalytic nanolubricant flow through a horizontal microchannel with convective boundary conditions. The ZnO–SAE50 nanolubricant is important as it reduces the wear in components such as shafts, gaskets, piston bores, and valve mechanisms, offering advantages not commonly observed with other nanofluids. Suitable dimensionless variables are employed to transform the governing equations into a set of ordinary differential equations. The proper boundary conditions are utilized to obtain the numerical results. The results are acquired utilizing Runge–Kutta–Fehlberg fourth, fifth-order method, and validated with the existing solutions. Enhancing the heat source improves the thermal field, thereby boosting the thermal conductivity of the nanolubricant, facilitating improved heat absorption and transmission within the system. Homogeneous-heterogeneous intensities minimize the concentration which improves lubrication efficiency, and optimize heat transfer performance. Further, the drag force decreases with nanoparticle volume fraction and the heat transfer rate is enhanced with the increase in heat source parameter. This study is the first to investigate the ZnO–SAE50 nanolubricant flow in a horizontal microchannel with reactive catalytic reactions and heat sources. The results significantly contribute to improved heat transfer, lubrication, and efficiency across various advanced technological applications like microelectronics, automotive, small-scale heat exchangers, aerospace, and renewable energy.

Keywords

• nanofluid
• nanolubricant
• microchannel
• heat source/sink
• autocatalytic reaction