Analysis of magnetic field effects on distributed heat sources in a nanofluid-filled enclosure by natural convection

Abstract

This paper studies the effect of magnetic field on the flow field and heat transfer of nanofluid with variable properties in the square enclosure with two arrangements of heat sources. Based upon numerical predictions, the effects of pertinent parameters such as the Rayleigh number (103, 104 and 105), the Hartmann number (0, 25, 50, 75 and 100) and the solid volume fraction (0 to 4%) on the flow and temperature fields and the heat transfer performance of the enclosure are examined. For the numerical solution of conservation equations, finite volume method and SIMPLER algorithm was used. The results show that the heat transfer rate influenced by district heat sources and it increases with distributing heat sources on the side walls and it increases with an increase of the Rayleigh number and volume fraction, but decreases with an increase of Hartmann number.