The numerical study of heat transfer enhancement using Al2O3-water nanofluid in corrugated duct application

Abstract

Heat transfer enhancement in channel flow is investigated in the present study by using corrugated duct in lieu of smooth duct. In this regard, periodic different cavities are applied on the duct walls using the same aspect ratios. The values of the Reynolds numbers are in the range of 10,000 ≤ Re ≤ 20,000. The effects of the alumina-water nanofluid flow on the corrugated ducts are alternatively investigated by using the constant nanoparticle size for further improvement of the thermal characteristics. Computations are performed by means of finite volume approach on three different corrugated shapes. The effects of various parameters on the heat and fluid flow are also studied. The obtained results have revealed that the application of corrugated duct increases the rate of turbulent intensity on the central axis of the duct. In addition, it is found that the rate of heat transfer changes as a result of corrugated shape and Reynolds number. Furthermore, it is demonstrated that the application of the alumina-water flow in such ducts enhances the rate of the heat transfer and thermal performance when compared with the water flow. It is hoped that the obtained results will arouse interest towards thermal design.