3D Magneto-Buoyancy-Thermocapillary Convection of CNT-Water Nanofluid in the Presence of a Magnetic Field

• Main Authors: Lioua Kolsi, Salem Algarni, Hussein A. Mohammed, Walid Hassen, Emtinene Lajnef, Walid Aich, Mohammed A. Almeshaal
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2020-02-01
• Series: Processes
• Subjects: buoyancy thermocapillary convection; magnetic field direction; cnt-water nanofluid; marangoni number; flow control.
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9717/8/3/258

A numerical study is performed to investigate the effects of adding Carbon Nano Tube (CNT) and applying a magnetic field in two directions (vertical and horizontal) on the 3D-thermo-capillary natural convection. The cavity is differentially heated with a free upper surface. Governing equations are solved using the finite volume method. Results are presented in term of flow structure, temperature field and rate of heat transfer. In fact, results revealed that the flow structure and heat transfer rate are considerably affected by the magnitude and the direction of the magnetic field, the presence of thermocapillary forces and by increasing nanoparticles volume fraction. In opposition, the increase of the magnetic field magnitude leads to the control the flow causing flow stabilization by merging vortexes and reducing heat transfer rate.