Comparative analysis of buoyancy-driven hydromagnetic flow and heat transfer in a partially heated square enclosure using Cu-Fe3O4 and MoS2-Fe3O4 nanofluids

Purpose

This study aims to investigate entropy generation through natural convection and examine heat transfer properties within a partially heated and cooled enclosure influenced by an angled magnetic field. The enclosure, subjected to consistent heat production or absorption, contains a porous medium saturated with a hybrid nanofluid blend of Cu-Fe₃O₄ and MoS₂-Fe₃O₄.

Design/methodology/approach

The temperature and velocity equations are converted to a dimensionless form using suitable non-dimensional quantities, adhering to the imposed constraints. To solve these transformed dimensionless equations, the finite-difference method, based on the MAC (Marker and Cell) technique, is used. Comprehensive numerical simulations address various control parameters, including nanoparticle volume fraction, Rayleigh number, heat source or sink, Darcy number, Hartmann number and slit position. The results are illustrated through streamlines, isotherms, average Nusselt numbers and entropy generation plots, offering a clear visualization of the impact of these parameters across different scenarios.

Findings

Results obtained show that the Cu-Fe₃O₄ hybrid nanofluid exhibits higher entropy generation than the MoS₂-Fe₃O₄ hybrid nanofluid when comparing them at a Rayleigh number of 10⁶ and a Darcy number of 10^–1. The MoS₂ hybrid nanofluid demonstrates a low permeability, as evidenced by an average Darcy number of 10^–3, in comparison to the Cu hybrid nanofluid. The isothermal contours for a Rayleigh number of 10⁴are positioned parallel to the vertical walls. Additionally, the quantity of each isotherm contour adjacent to the hot wall is being monitored. The Cu and MoS₂ nanoparticles exhibit the highest average entropy generation at a Rayleigh number of 10⁵ and a Darcy number of 10^–1, respectively. When a uniform heat sink is present, the temperature gradient in the central part of the cavity decreases. In contrast, the absence of a heat source or sink leads to a more intense temperature distribution within the cavity. This differs significantly from the scenario where a uniform heat sink regulates the temperature.

Originality/value

The originality of this study is to examine the generation of entropy in natural convection within a partially heated and cooled enclosure that contains hybrid nanofluids. Partially heated corners are essential for optimizing heat transfer in a wide range of industrial applications. This enhancement is achieved by increasing the surface area, which improves convective heat transfer. These diverse applications encompass fields such as chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, surface research, energy production and heat recovery processes. Researchers have been working on improving the precision of heated and cold corners using various methods, such as numerical, experimental and analytical approaches. These efforts aim to enhance the broad utility of these corners further.