Numerical modeling of nanofluid natural convection in a semi annulus in existence of Lorentz force

Influence of external magnetic source on Fe3O4-water heat transfer in a cavity with circular hot cylinder is studied. New numerical method is chosen namely CVFEM. Influences of Rayleigh, Hartmann numbers and volume fraction of Fe3O4 on hydrothermal characteristics are presented. Results illustrate that Lorentz forces cause the nanofluid velocity to reduce and augment the thermal boundary layer thickness. The heat transfer improvement enhances with augment of Lorentz forces. Nusselt number augments with rise of buoyancy forces but it reduces with augment of Lorentz forces. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.