An experimental investigation on the nanofluids in a cavity under natural convection with and without the rotary magnetic field

Abstract

This experimental study involves the use of two distinct categories of nanofluids, namely ferromagnetic and non-magnetic, within a square cavity that facilitates natural convection. There are five distinct concentrations associated with each nanofluid. Natural convection arises as a consequence of the thermal gradient between the opposing surfaces of the copper cavity, which has a thickness of 18 gauge. The purpose of utilizing the constructed electro-magnet assembly is to investigate the impact of the rotational magnetic field on the process of heat transfer. The manipulation of magnetic strength can be achieved by regulating the magnetic power and direct current (DC) power. The manipulation of the electromagnet’s spin can also be regulated. In the context of a rotational magnetic field, it is seen that the magnetic flux undergoes a transition from a positive value to an almost identical negative value throughout a full rotation. The optimal heat transfer performance is observed at a nanoparticle concentration of 0.1% by volume (φ) for both nanofluids. In the absence of a rotating magnetic field, the ferromagnetic nanofluid exhibited superior performance. When the Rayleigh number (Ra) is one order smaller than the critical Rayleigh number value, the heat transfer performance is often superior with nanofluid compared to demineralized water.