Double-diffusive mixed convection in an inclined square cavity filled with nanofluid: A numerical study with external magnetic field and heated square blockage effects

Abstract

This study explores the influence of Fe3O4 – water nanofluid, magnetic forces, and double-diffusive mixed convection characteristics on a steady-state, two-dimensional, laminar flow within an inclined square cavity containing four heated square blockages. The governing equations are solved using the Finite Volume Method (FVM). In this configuration, the temperature and concentration inside the square blockages are higher than those on the left and right walls, which are moving in opposite directions to each other. The remaining two are adiabatic and impermeable. A wide range of parameters is investigated, including cavity nanoparticle volume fractions (φ = 0.0, 0.02, 0.04, 0.06), inclination angle (γ = 0°, 30°, 60°), Richardson number (Ri = 0.1, 1.0, 10), Hartmann number (Ha = 0, 50, 100), heated block ratio (B = 1/8), Lewis number (Le = 5.0), Prandtl number (Pr = 0.71), and Buoyancy ratio (N = 2.0). The study extensively analyzes temperature, concentration, and streamline contours based on these parameters. Furthermore, the research examines the heat and mass transfer rates on the heated block surfaces by analyzing local and average Nusselt (Nuavg) and Sherwood numbers (Shavg). The results suggest that introducing nanofluid has a more pronounced influence on the flow fields than the temperature and concentration patterns. Both the inclination angle and the Hartmann number have a significant impact on both the flow and temperature patterns. At higher Ri, an increase in φ reduces the Nuavg and Shavg. However, the total Nuavg and Shavg decrease at any Ri and γ in a magnetic field.