Natural convection heat transfer augmentation in a partially heated and partially cooled square cavity utilizing nanofluids

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to investigate the behaviour of nanofluids numerically inside a partially heated and partially cooled square cavity to gain insight into heat transfer and flow processes induced by a nanofluid. Design/methodology/approach - A model is developed to analyze the behaviour of nanofluids taking into account the solid volume fraction V. The transport equations are solved numerically with finite volume approach using SIMPLEC algorithm. Findings - Comparisons with previously published work on the basis of special cases are performed and found to be in excellent agreement. Five different relative positions of the active zones are considered. While circulation depend strongly on the total exit length. Governing parameters were 10(3) < Gr < 10(7) but due to space constraints the results for 10(4) < Gr < 10(7) are presented. It is found that both the Grashof number and solid volume fraction chi affect the fluid flow and heat transfer in the cavity. Copper-Water nanofluid is used with Pr = 6.2 and solid volume fraction is varied as 0, 4, 8, 12, 16 and 20 per cent. Detailed results are presented for flow pattern and heat transfer curves. Originality/value - The present study focusses. on the analysis of several parameters on the heat transfer characteristics of nanodfluids within the enclosure.