Lattice Boltzmann simulation of natural convection in a square cavity with a linearly heated wall using nanofluid

© King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals 2013 In this paper, Lattice Boltzmann simulation of natural convection in a square cavity with a linearly heated wall which is filled by nanofluid has been investigated. The fluid in the cavity is a water-based nanofluid containing various nanoparticles such as copper (Cu), cupric oxide (CuO) or alumina (Al2O3). This studyhas been conducted for Rayleigh numbers of 10³ to 10⁵, while solid volume fraction (Ï•) varied from 0 to 16%. The effects of nanopartcles are displayed on streamlines, isotherms counters, local and average Nusselt number. Copper nanoparticle enhances heat transfer more than other nanoparticles, while the lowest heat transfer is demonstrated by alumina (Al2O3) nanoparticles. In addition, the increment of Rayleigh number causes the effect of the nanoparticles to increase.