A comparative heat transfer study between monotype and hybrid nanofluid in a duct with various shapes of ribs

In this study, the flow of water-based monotype nanofluid (Al2O3/water) and hybrid nanofluid (Al2O3-Cu (60:40%)/water) having constant 1.0% nanoparticle volume fraction (npvf) in a duct with rib is analyzed under turbulent flow regime concerning heat transfer and flow behavior. The Nusselt number (Nu), friction factor (f), PEC number, temperature contour, and turbulence intensity are examined in the study. Furthermore, the significance of the shape of rib (ellipse, square, and triangular), Reynolds number (20000, 30000, 40000, 50000, and 60000), and types of nanofluids (monotype and hybrid) are studied. The outcomes of the study are justified with the previous studies in the literature and an acceptable consistency is obtained. The results show that the Nusselt number increases with the rising of the Reynolds number (Re) and in the case of using monotype nanofluid and hybrid nanofluid in the duct with the rib and no rib condition. At the highest Reynolds number and the use of the triangular rib, while the increase in Nusselt number with monotype nanofluid is 18.0%, the increase in Nusselt number with hybrid nanofluid is approximately 32.0%. The shape of the rib is substantial on heat transfer and flow characteristics. Moreover, the triangular rib has the best heat transfer rate in comparison with the other shape of the rib. Eventually, the results in the duct placed the triangular rib and forced the hybrid nanofluid indicate a bright conclusion in terms of the future of hybrid nanofluid for cooling and heating practices in the industry.

Automated summary

This study analyzed the heat transfer and flow behavior of water-based monotype nanofluid and hybrid nanofluid in a duct with ribs, finding that the Nusselt number increases with the Reynolds number and the triangular rib showed the best heat transfer rate. The results suggest a promising future for the use of hybrid nanofluids in cooling and heating applications in the industry.