Heat transfer analysis of nanofluid flow through backward facing step

Abstract

This paper presents the numerical predictions of hydrodynamic and thermal characteristics of nanofluid flow through backward facing step. The governing equations are solved through the finite volume method, as described by Patankar, by taking into account the associated boundary conditions. Empirical relations were used to give the effective dynamic viscosity and the thermal conductivity of the nanofluid. Effects of different key parameters such as Reynolds number, nanoparticle solid volume fraction and nanoparticle solid diameter on the heat transfer and fluid flow are investigated. The results are discussed in terms of the average Nusselt number and streamlines.