Multiple-relaxation-time lattice Boltzmann model for simulation of free convection in axisymmetric nanofluid-filled annulus-experimental and numerical observations

Purpose The MRT lattice Boltzmann simulation of natural convection in a confined environment is carried out. The flow and heat transfer during natural convection in a symmetrical annulus are studied. Design/methodology/approach The cavity is filled with TiO2-water nanofluid, and the thermal conductivity and dynamic viscosity of nanofluid are measured experimentally. The experimental data are utilized in the numerical simulations. The nanofluids are prepared at four different nanoparticle concentrations phi = 0, 0.1, 0.3 and 0.5. It is notable that the radial coordinate is used into the temperature distribution function. As a result, only one source term is required for the present lattice Boltzmann model. On the other hand, the macro cylindrical energy equation is exactly recovered using Chapman-Enskog analysis. Findings Influence of some main parameters including Rayleigh number in range of 103 to 106, solid volume fraction of nanofluid in range of 0 to 0.5 and four different aspect ratios on the the nanofluid flow (i.e. streamlines), heat transfer (i.e. temperature distribution and average Nusselt number) and entropy generation (i.e. total entropy generation and Bejan number) are presented, quantitatively and graphically. It is found that adding TiO2 nanoparticles to the base fluid has considerable positive effect on the heat transfer performance and entropy generation. In addition, the configuration of the annulus can be good controlling parameter on the heat transfer rate during natural convection. Originality/value The originality of this work is using of a modern numerical method to simulate the free convection and conducting experimental observations to calculate the thermo-physical properties of nanofluid. In addition, the numerical and experimental works are combined to provide accurate results.