Investigation of entropy generation in power law fluid-filled bulging enclosures: effects of flow and heat transfer

Abstract

This paper presents a complete investigation into the phenomenon of dual convection flow within a bulging enclosure along with non-Newtonian power-law fluids and employs the Galerkin finite element method for simulation. The main objective is to study the heat and mass transfer and entropy generation within the enclosure. Various factors, such as the Rayleigh number, power law coefficient, Lewis number, and effects of magnetic inclination are evaluated for their influence on flow dynamics and heat distribution. The study also investigates the relationship between these parameters and entropy generation, providing insights into the irreversible processes within the system. A comparative analysis of averaged Nusselt and Sherwood coefficients reveals distinct thermal and fluidic behaviours across varying power-law indices, emphasizing differences between shear thickening, shear thinning, and Newtonian fluid behaviours. The findings provide valuable insights into non-Newtonian power-law fluids in complex flows, enhancing our understanding of flow and heat transfer in bulging enclosures.