Thermal optimisation through multilayer convective flow of CuO- MWCNT hybrid nanofluid in a composite porous annulus

Abstract

The present article deals with the analysis of the three-layer convective flow of immiscible nanofluids in a composite porous annulus. Water and kerosene are chosen as base fluids due to their immiscible property that leads to the formation of a non-physical boundary separation and thus forming a multi-layer flow. In this model, the hybrid nanofluid is formed by suspending copper oxide (CuO) and multi walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) in water which is sandwiched between layers of nanofluid formed by suspending CuO in kerosene leading to two boundary separations that give rise to the interface regions. Such a flow finds applications in the field of solar reactors, electronic cooling, etc. The model based on the above assumptions is in the form of a system of ordinary differential equations that are solved using the differential transformation method. The solutions are found to be in agreement with the existing literature and the results of this study are interpreted graphically. It is to be noted that the interfacial region in the multilayer nanofluid flow helps in maintaining the system at an optimum temperature which helps to cool down the systems. Further, the increase in the Eckert number increases the heat conduction of the nanofluid and pressure enhances the flow speed of the nanofluid.