Numerical simulation of free convection of a nanofluid in L-shaped cavities

Abstract

The present paper focuses on problem of free convection fluid flow and heat transfer of Cu–water nanofluid inside L-shaped cavities. The governing equations are discretized using the finite volume method while the SIMPLER algorithm is employed to couple velocity and pressure fields. Using the developed code, the effects of the Rayleigh number, the aspect ratio of the L-shaped cavity, and the volume fraction of the Cu nanoparticles on the flow and thermal fields and heat transfer inside the cavity are investigated. The obtained results show that the average Nusselt number for all rage of cavity aspect ratio increases with increase in the Rayleigh number and the solid volume fraction of the nanofluid. Also the Rayleigh number in which transition from conduction to convection occurs postpones with decreasing the aspect ratio of cavity. Moreover it is found that the rate of heat transfer increases with decreasing the aspect ratio of the cavity.