Electroosmotic flow and heat transfer of a hybrid nanofluid in a microchannel: A structural optimization

Abstract

In microchannels where there is a change in the direction of flow, the difference in path length between the inner and outer walls or boundaries can play an effective role in dispersion. This research focuses on studying the fluid flow and heat transfer of a hybrid nanofluid in a microchannel under electroosmotic flow. A structural optimization is applied to reduce dispersion, and the results of the optimized geometry are compared with the original geometry. The results show that the heat transfer is improved due to the new geometry configuration. If only the study of heat transfer is considered, it is recommended to use the optimal geometry with a low volume fraction and a high electric potential. Although the nanofluid's performance in increasing heat transfer is failed due to the low flow rate, the enhanced heat transfer can be achieved through optimized geometry or high electric potential. The results of this research can be applied to the design of more advanced and efficient microfluidic devices with multifaceted objectives.