Lattice Boltzmann simulation of Rayleigh-Benard convection in enclosures filled with Al2O3-water nanofluid

Abstract

In order to clarify the controversies for the role of nanoparticles on heat transfer in natural convection, lattice Boltzmann method is used to investigate Rayleigh-Benard convection heat transfer in differentially-heated enclosures filled with Al2O3-water nanofluids. The results for streamline and isotherm contours, vertical velocity, and temperature profiles as well as the local and average Nusselt number are discussed for a wide range of Rayleigh numbers and nanoparticle volume fractions (0 ≤ ϕ ≤ 5%). The results show that with the increase of Rayleigh number and nanoparticles loading, Nuave increases. It is suggested that the addition of nanoparticles can enhance the heat transfer in Rayleigh-Benard convection.