Thermal and hydrodynamic effects in variable geometry nanofluid transport with Thermo-Responsive liquid Composites: Dynamics of entropy generation

Abstract

In this communication, the authors focused on energy loss during the flow of hybrid nanofluid in expanding/contracting channels. The goal is to determine how, in real-world applications, hybrid nanofluids can maximize energy efficiency and reduce entropy production, hence assisting in the development of more effective and sustainable thermal management systems. It is well documented that heat transfer is enhanced due to the presence of nanoparticles in a base fluid and hence decreases energy loss in the system. The second law of thermodynamics defines that heat transfer is not ideal; hence, entropy in a system always rises. Suitable measures can be taken to minimize energy loss. One method is to use a nanofluid, if multiple nanosized particles are used; it is named a hybrid nanofluid. In this communication, a comparative analysis of simple and hybrid nanofluids is provided. A mathematical model outlining the dynamics of the flow is provided. The upper plate acts as a porous plate that is contracting/expanding and through which coolant hybrid nanofluids enter the channel. The lower plate remains stationary and is heated externally. The equations governing the flow are converted into ordinary differential equations by employing the similarity transformation. These ODEs are then solved analytically to get the series solution by using HAM along with the given boundary conditions. The entropy equation is modelled using the Clausius Duhem inequality. Copper and silver nanoparticles are combined with water. The impacts of different dimensionless parameters on stream function, velocity profile, Nusselt number, entropy, and Bejan number are discussed, and their results are shown graphically.