Dual-MRT lattice Boltzmann method combined with experimental measurements of nanofluid’s properties for analysis of fin-orientation effect on natural convection heat transfer

Abstract

Purpose Natural convection heat transfer during free convection phenomenon in a cavity included with active fins and pipes is investigated. The influence of the orientation of fins on the heat transfer between heat source (i.e. hot fins) and heat sink (i.e. cold pipes) is investigated by using numerical and experimental techniques. Design/methodology/approach For the numerical simulations, the multiple relaxation time (MRT) thermal lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) is used. In this numerical approach, two separated distribution functions are used to solve the flow and temperature distributions within the computational domain. Furthermore, the local/volumetric second law analysis is used to show the impact of evaluated parameters on the heat transfer irreversibility. In addition, the dynamic viscosity and thermal conductivity of TiO2-water nanofluid are measured by using Brookfield viscometer and KD2 pro conductmeter, respectively. Findings The examined range of Rayleigh number is from 103 to 106, and the nanofluid samples are provided in 0, 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100 ppm. Originality/value The originality of this work is use of dual-MRT thermal LBM and experimental measurements of rheological/thermal properties of nanofluid for investigation of free convection problem for the considered application.