Combined simulation of molecular dynamics and computational fluid dynamics to predict the properties of a nanofluid flowing inside a micro-heatsink by modeling a radiator with holes on its fins

Abstract

The non-equilibrium molecular dynamics (NEMD) simulation technique is used to study the effective characteristics of nanofluids (NFs) to enhance heat transfer (such as thermal conductivity), viscosity, and density, and the findings are evaluated and compared with theoretical research. Then, the output data of the molecular dynamics (MD) simulations are used as the input for the computational fluid dynamics simulation to investigate the effects of different percentages of the NF components on the heat transfer coefficient. The NF flow inside a heatsink radiator (HSR) designed by modeling a car radiator is examined. Comparing the results obtained from the MD method with previous experimental data shows that the MD simulations are highly accurate at predicting the NF properties. It should be noted that the NEMD simulation method could be used as an effective and accurate method in the study of NFs. The code used to model the conduction heat transfer is a new and improved type of NEMD simulation that significantly reduces the error rate in the simulations. Another advantage of this code is the significantly reduced simulation time compared to similar methods because MD simulations are highly time-consuming. NF is used in a heatsink similar to a radiator with a number of microchannels. According to the findings from the HSR numerical simulations, adding nanoparticles (NPs) to the base fluid improves the thermal conductivity of the NFs and increases the density and viscosity of the base fluid. Using an HSR with smaller perforated fins results in better HSR temperature uniformity.