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Computational study of thermofluidic characteristics of Al2O3-Cu hybrid nanofluids in backward facing step channel
A S Jahin1, Jahid Hossain Samin1, Maliha Farhin Chhoa1
1Department of Mechanical Engineering, Military Institute of Science and Technology (MIST), Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Abstract:
Backward-Facing Step (BFS) channels are frequently utilized in technical implementation due to their ability to model intricate fluid flow patterns, such as recirculation zones, which have significant impacts on thermal exchange rates. This research investigates the thermal and heating efficiency of Al2O3-Cu hybrid nanofluids in a BFS channel, focusing on the effects of varying step angles and Reynolds numbers (Re) on thermal efficiency. ANSYS Fluent (2021 R2) was used to analyze Al2O3-Cu nanofluids across Reynolds numbers (500-800), step angles (70°, 75°, 80°, and 85°), and particle volumes (1%-4%) applying the finite volume method. The results demonstrate that as the Reynolds number increases, the Nusselt number rises by an average of 18.505 %. In contrast, varying the step angle results in an average increase of 4.94 %. It is also observed that an increase in volume fraction of nanoparticles enhances the Nusselt number due to the superior thermal conductivity of the Al2O3-Cu nanofluid. Additionally, a positive correlation between step angle, skin friction coefficient, and pressure drop was observed.
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