Thermal and irreversibility analysis of non-Newtonian fluid within trapezoidal cavity containing heated cylinder

Abstract

In this article, the mixed convection transport of the Carreau fluid in the presence of a magnetic field and a heated circular cylinder within a trapezoidal cavity is examined. Finite element analysis is used via COMSOL Multiphysics software to simulate the two-dimensional flow. The heat equation is formulated by incorporating the effects of viscous dissipation and Joule heating. The upper and lower surfaces of the cavity are adiabatic, while the left and right sides are assumed to be cold. The temperature distribution and flow field within the cavity are visualized through the plotting of isotherms, streamlines, and total entropy generation. The graphical representations are performed to examine the impacts of physical parameters on temperature, flow field, and total entropy generation, including the Reynolds number , Weissenberg number ( 1.0 ≤ We ≤ 6.0 ) , Power law index ( 0.1 ≤ n ≤ 5.0 ) , Hartman number ( 1.0 ≤ M ≤ 50 ) , and Richardson number ( 0.2 ≤ Ri ≤ 5.0 ) and ( 0.2 ≤ Rc ≤ 0.8 ) . It is found that the Joule heating and Richardson number are the main reasons to increase the thermal performance within the cavity. The r ( 100 ≤ Re ≤ 500 ) ising values of power law index and Weissenberg numbers caused to reduce the velocity field, irreversible effects and circulation within cavity. While the entropy is augmented by elevating the Eckert and Hartmann numbers. Furthermore, heat transfer improved with the increased magnetic field and Eckert number.