Shape matters: Convection and entropy generation in magneto-hydrodynamic nanofluid flow in constraint-based analogous annular thermal systems

Abstract

This work analyzes the performance of annular thermal systems of distinct geometries to understand their shape impacts using a novel constraint-based methodology. This research fills the gap in the literature by analyzing the geometrical shape impact of magnetohydrodynamic CuO/water nanofluid flow on fluid flow, heat transfer, and thermodynamic irreversibility. Through computational simulations, the outcome results demonstrate that the circular annuli (Case 1 and Case 2) outperform the analogous square system in terms of fluid velocity, heat transfer, and irreversibility. The analysis is carried out for a range of Rayleigh numbers (Ra = 103 to 106), nanoparticle concentrations (ζ = 0 to 4%), magnetic fields (Ha = 0 to 100), and magnetic field inclinations (γ = 0° to 180°). Additionally, a significant improvement in heat transfer is observed by augmenting nanoparticles of the working fluid, while the magnetic field intensity plays a crucial role in controlling fluid flow and heat transfer. The study provides valuable insights into how various parameters affect the nanofluidic heat and flow characteristics of equivalent annular geometries and contributes to the development of more efficient and effective designs of thermal systems. The novelty of the study lies in its comprehensive approach in the use of a constraint-based methodology that matches the flow areas or cooling lengths while maintaining the same heating length to analyze the impact of geometric shapes on heat transport and accompanying irreversibility during MHD nanofluid flow. Furthermore, the energy-flux vectors are utilized to delve into the insights. The maximum value of heat transfer noted for Case 1 and Case 2 is approximately 7% and 11%, respectively, compared to the square annulus (Base Case). The inclusion of nanoparticles in the carrier fluid causes a significant enhancement in heat transfer by up to 11%, compared to pure fluid (ζ = 0).