Enhancing thermal performance in enclosures filled with nanofluids subjected to sinusoidal heating: a numerical study

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study conducts a comprehensive numerical investigation into enhancing thermal transfer within square enclosures filled with water-based oxide nanoparticle suspensions, subjected to central sinusoidal heating. Further flow configuration, influenced by an inclined magnetic field, is designed with a focus on enhancing thermal efficiency for engineering applications. Key innovations include the application of sinusoidal heating elements to enhance thermal performance significantly. Computational analysis supported by finite element analysis, quantifies the impact of these parameters on flow dynamics and thermal transmission, presenting a substantial advance in the understanding of nanofluid-filled enclosure thermal management. The study reveals that the undulation of the heating element plays a crucial role in the heat transfer rate, with improvements observed as undulation increases. The introduction of magnetic fields further controls flow distribution and buoyancy effects, as demonstrated by our findings that an increase in the Rayleigh number correlates with enhanced convection, dominating the cavity's thermal dynamics. Additionally, the report outlines the conditions under which the Nusselt number increases, indicating enhanced thermal performance. These insights are pivotal for designing optimized heat transfer systems and energy-efficient applications, setting a new benchmark for thermal management strategies in practical engineering contexts.