Forced Convection Flow of Nanofluid Within a Partially Filled Porous Straight Channel

Abstract

The present study examines the impact of nanoparticle flow and migration on heat transfer within a linear channel containing a partially porous medium. The comprehensive exploration of forced convective heat transfer of nanofluids in a porous channel is not yet fully addressed in existing literature, presenting a significant open research area requiring further investigation. The porous channel is modeled using the Finite Element Method (FEM) for a steady flow, assuming thermal equilibrium between the solid phases and the nanofluid. A non-uniform distribution of nanoparticles within the channel is assumed, leading to the interdependence between the volume fraction distribution equation and the governing equations. A thorough analysis has been conducted on the impact of various parameters, including the Darcy number and Reynolds number. The findings indicate a direct relationship between the Reynolds number and the Nusselt number, with increases in the Reynolds number resulting in higher Nusselt numbers. Additionally, an increase in the Darcy number leads to an increase in the Nusselt number.