A Numerical Simulation of Heat Transfer Enhancement Using Al2O3 Nanofluid

Introduction: A numerical study is performed in which the friction factor and forced convection heat transfer is studied for Al2O3 nanoparticle dispersed in water as a base fluid. Methods: Four concentrations of nanofluids in the range of 0-2.5 vol% have been simulated. The Reynolds Number is varied in the range of 100-500 by varying inlet velocity. Cross flow of air is assumed over the pipe with air velocity of 2.2 m/s. Results: The results depict that the friction factor decreases with an increase in flow rate and increases with increase in volume concentration. The maximum deviation for friction factor obtained by simulation from that obtained using Darcy’s relation is about 21.5% for water. Nusselt number increases with increase in Reynolds Number and nanofluid volume concentration with a maximum of 7653.68 W/m2 at a nanoparticle concentration of 2.5% and Reynolds Number of 500. Heat transfer rate enhancement of upto 13.6% is obtained as compared to pure water. The maximum increase in Nusselt Number is about 13.07% for a nanoparticle concentration of 2.5%. Conclusion: The simulation results are compared with established relations obtained by other researchers and there is a good agreement in terms of trends obtained. The deviations from established relations are also depicted.