Three-Dimensional Swirling Flow of Nanofluid with Nanoparticle Aggregation Kinematics Using Modified Krieger-Dougherty and Maxwell-Bruggeman Models: A Finite Element Solution

The current study explores a three-dimensional swirling flow of titania-ethylene glycol-based nanofluid over a stretchable cylinder with torsional motion. The heat transfer process is explored subject to heat source/sink. Here, titania-ethylene glycol-water-based nanofluid is used. The Maxwell-Bruggeman models for thermal conductivity and modified Krieger-Dougherty models for viscosity are employed to scrutinize the impact of nanoparticle aggregation. A mathematical model based on partial differential equations (PDEs) is developed to solve the flow problem. Following that, a similarity transformation is performed to reduce the equations to ordinary differential equations (ODEs), which are then solved using the finite element method. It has been proven that nanoparticle aggregation significantly increases the temperature field. The results reveal that the rise in Reynolds number improves the heat transport rate, whereas an increase in the heat source/sink parameter value declines the heat transport rate. Swirling flows are commonly found in many industrial processes such as combustion, mixing, and fluidized bed reactors. Studying the behavior of nanofluids in these flows can lead to the development of more efficient and effective industrial processes.

Automated summary

The current study investigates the swirling flow of a titania-ethylene glycol-based nanofluid over a stretchable cylinder with torsional motion, considering heat source/sink. The research utilizes a titania-ethylene glycol-water-based nanofluid and examines the impact of nanoparticle aggregation on thermal conductivity. A mathematical model based on PDEs is developed and solved using the finite element method. The study demonstrates that nanoparticle aggregation significantly enhances the temperature field and reveals the effects of Reynolds number and heat source/sink parameter on heat transport rate. Swirling flows are widely observed in various industrial processes and understanding nanofluid behavior in these flows can contribute to the development of more efficient industrial processes.