Evaluation of nanolayer and particle size on fluid transport through rotating disks

Abstract

In this paper, the impact of nanolayer which shows the relationship between the nanoparticle and pure fluid is investigated on the fluid transport and thermal transfer through a rotating system. The nanolayer shows the relationship between the nanoparticle and base liquid, signifying a higher thermal conductivity than the nanoparticle and lower conductivity than the base fluid. Also, the effect of larger nanoparticle size and volume on fluid thermal distribution is considered. The nanoparticle raises the fluid thermal conductivity with the aim of conserving thermal transfer during fluid transport, consequently saving energy. The mechanics of the fluid is developed using a higher-order coupled system of nonlinear models, solved with the aid of the Homotopy perturbation method. Obtained results from the analysis show the impact of nanolayer expansion on thermal distribution increases boundary layer thickness. Also, the size of the nanoparticle when varied from 10 to 40 nm shows a heat transfer increase of 17.02% at the center of the disk. Particle size increase indicates temperature rise as nanolayer size encompassing the nanoparticle increases. Obtained results when compared against literature give good agreement. The study finds useful applications in coolant and lubricant processing amongst other practical applications.