Entropy generation analysis of unsteady MHD nanofluid flow in a porous pipe

Abstract

This article presents a numerical investigation into the entropy production of nanofluids flowing through a porous medium in a permeable conduit, focusing on water-based solutions containing Titanium Carbide (TiC) and Silicon Carbide (SiC) nanoparticles. These nanoparticles are selected for their heat transfer properties. The flow system's governing equations are developed and solved using the Runge-Kutta-Fehlberg method. The study examines the influence of key nondimensional parameters, including the solid volume fraction of nanoparticles, radiation parameters, and Reynolds number, on temperature, velocity profiles, and entropy generation. The results show that Silicon Carbide-water nanofluids perform efficiently in terms of heat transfer and entropy minimization. Additionally, Silicon Carbide exhibits low skin friction at the pipe wall, with this effect increasing as the solid volume percentage of nanoparticles rises. The study also indicates that irreversibility due to heat transfer becomes more significant near the pipe wall as the solid volume fraction decreases and increases with higher radiation parameters and Reynolds number. These findings are presented graphically and in tabular form to illustrate the physical significance of the problem.