Numerical simulation with sensitivity analysis of MHD natural convection using Cu-TiO2-H2O hybrid nanofluids

Abstract

In this study, a magnetohydrodynamics natural convective numerical investigation about fluid flow and heat transfer is completed in a closed cavity. Due to vast real life applications of nanofluids as well as hybrid nanofluids in thermal engineering and manufacturing processes such as micro-electronics, heat exchanger, chemical sensors, drug transport, solar cells, etc., the hybrid nanofluids are taken as fluid medium in fluid domain. A prismatic shaped close cavity is considered with a circular hot surface in the middle part of cavity. The upright walls are taken as cold surface. Rest of the walls are thermally insulated. There is a horizontal magnetic field which act toward the cavity. The suspension of water with Cu and TiO2 nanoparticles is taken as hybrid nanofluids. The Galerkin weighted residual finite element method is used to solve associated governing equations. To express the finding, streamlines and isotherm lines are used graphically and physically for numerous values of the involved parameter Rayleigh number (103 ≤ Ra ≤ 106), Hartmann number (0 ≤ Ha ≤ 100), and nanoparticle volume fraction (0 ≤ φ ≤ 0.06). The response surface methodology is applied to visualize 3D effect, and study sensitivity of input factors on response function. The thermal enactment of hybrid nanofluid is developed by a higher Rayleigh number and the inclusion of hybrid nanoparticles. Reverse behaviors should be observed for an increasing magnetic influence.

Keywords

• Natural convection
• Hybrid nanofluid
• Magnetohydrodynamics
• Response surface methodology
• Sensitivity analysis