Impact of two-phase hybrid nanofluid approach on mixed convection inside wavy lid-driven cavity having localized solid block

Introduction:: Mixed convection flow and heat transfer within various cavities including lid-driven walls has many engineering applications. Investigation of such a problem is important in enhancing the performance of the cooling of electric, electronic and nuclear devices and controlling the fluid flow and heat exchange of the solar thermal operations and thermal storage. Objectives:: The main aim of this fundamental investigation is to examine the influence of a two-phase hybrid nanofluid approach on mixed convection characteristics including the consequences of varying Richardson number, number of oscillations, nanoparticle volume fraction, and dimensionless length and dimensionless position of the solid obstacle. Methods:: The migration of composite hybrid nanoparticles due to the nano-scale forces of the Brownian motion and thermophoresis was taken into account. There is an inner block near the middle of the enclosure, which contributes toward the flow, heat, and mass transfer. The top lid cover wall of the enclosure is allowed to move which induces a mixed convection flow. The impact of the migration of hybrid nanoparticles with regard to heat transfer is also conveyed in the conservation of energy. The governing equations are molded into the non-dimensional pattern and then explained using the finite element technique. The effect of various non-dimensional parameters such as the volume fraction of nanoparticles, the wave number of walls, and the Richardson number on the heat transfer and the concentration distribution of nanoparticles are examined. Various case studies for Al2O3-Cu/water hybrid nanofluids are performed. Results:: The results reveal that the temperature gradient could induce a notable concentration variation in the enclosure. Conclusion:: The location of the solid block and undulation of surfaces are valuable in the control of the heat transfer and the concentration distribution of the composite nanoparticles. (C) 2020 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of Cairo University.

Automated summary

The study investigates the influence of a two-phase hybrid nanofluid approach on mixed convection characteristics, considering factors such as nanoparticle migration and the presence of solid obstacles. The analysis of non-dimensional parameters using the finite element technique reveals that temperature gradient can lead to significant concentration variations within the enclosure.