Numerical modeling of heat transfer in Al2O3/H2O nanofluid flowing through a Bessel-like converging pipe

This paper studies hydrodynamic and heat transfer performance of Al2O3/H2O nanofluid flowing through a Bessel-like converging pipe in laminar flow regime using the computational fluid dynamic approach. A parametric study was carried out on the effect of Reynolds number (300– 1200), convergence index (0-3) and nanoparticle concentration (0–3%) on the both hydrodynamic and thermal fields. The results showed the pressure drop profile along the axial length of the converging pipes is parabolic compared to the downward straight profile obtained in a straight pipe. Furthermore, an increase in convergence index, Reynolds number and nanoparticle concentration were found to enhance convective heat transfer performance. Also, a new empirical model was developed to estimates the average Nusselt number as a function of aforementioned variables. Finally, the result of the thermohydraulic performance evaluation criterion showed that the usage of Bessel-like converging pipes is advantageous at a low Reynolds number.

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Opracowanie rekordu ze środków MNiSW, umowa Nr 461252 w ramach programu "Społeczna odpowiedzialność nauki" - moduł: Popularyzacja nauki i promocja sportu (2021).