Convection heat transfer of SWCNT-nanofluid in a corrugated channel under pulsating velocity profile

This study focuses on the effects of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) on convection heat transfer in a corrugated channel under a pulsating velocity profile. The volume fraction of added nanotubes to water as base fluid is lower than 1% to make dilute suspensions. A theoretical model is used for effective thermal conductivity of the nanofluid containing carbon nanotubes. This model covers different phenomena of energy transport in nanofluids. Also, an analytical model is applied for effective viscosity of the nanofluid which includes the Brownian effect and other physical properties of nanofluids. The Strouhal number and amplitude of pulsating velocity are studied at the range of 0.05-0.25 and 0-0.5, respectively, for various Reynolds numbers (50, 100 and 150). The study uses lattice Boltzmann method based on boundary fitting method to simulate flow and thermal fields. The time-averaged values of Nusselt number and relative pressure drop along a pulse period time are calculated and presented as the target outcomes. The results approved that the use of SWCNT particles in convectional channels can be an applicable method to enhance convection rate and also to reduce the pressure drop. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.