Finite element analysis of water-based Ferrofluid flow in a partially heated triangular cavity

Purpose This study aims to deal with the numerical investigation of ferrofluid flow and heat transfer inside a right-angle triangular cavity in the presence of a magnetic field. The vertical wall is partially heated, whereas other walls are kept cold. The effects of thermal radiation are included in the analysis. The governing equations including continuity, momentum and energy equations are converted to nondimensional form using viable variables. Design/methodology/approach Finite element method (FEM)-based simulations are performed using finite element approach to investigate the effects of the volume fraction of ferroparticles (Fe3O4), the length of the heating element and the dimensionless numbers including Rayleigh and Hartmann numbers on the streamlines, isotherms and Nusselt number. Findings It is demonstrated that both horizontal and vertical velocity components increase with the length of the heating element, whereas the dimensionless temperature decreases the heating domain. It is observed that an increase of 10% in the volume fraction of ferroparticles increases Nusselt number more than 12%, and 20% increase in the volume fraction of ferroparticles increases more than 30%, depending upon the length of the heating element. Originality/value This is a new study showing the significance of the magnetic nanoparticles for the enhancement of heat transfer rate in a triangular cavity.

Automated summary

The study demonstrates that both horizontal and vertical velocity components increase with the length of the heating element, while the dimensionless temperature decreases in the heating domain. It is observed that a 10% increase in the volume fraction of ferroparticles increases Nusselt number by more than 12%, and a 20% increase leads to over 30% enhancement, depending on the length of the heating element. This study highlights the importance of magnetic nanoparticles in enhancing heat transfer rate in a triangular cavity.