Free convection and second law scrutiny of NEPCM suspension inside a wavy-baffle-equipped cylinder under altered Fourier theory

Abstract Background Free convection and second law scrutiny of nano-encapsulated phase change material (NEPCM) suspension along with entropy production inside a circular cold cylinder involving a wavy hot baffle is a significant thermal management aspect subject to various industrial applications. Phase change material (PCM) undergoes a solid-liquid phase mutation at a particular fusion temperature, and absorbs/releases an appreciable amount of energy because of the latent heat of phase mutation. Hence, NEPCMs would be prospective owing to their capability to enhance the working liquids’ performance, keeping the system at a particular cooling temperature. Methods In order to simulatethe free convection along with entropy generation of NEPCMs inside a circular cold cylinder entails a wavy hot baffle under CattaneoChristov heat flux model(Altered Fourier theory) and magnetic field, the finite element method (FEM) could be utilized to solve the governing equations. In this study, the amplitude of baffle could be changeable while its undulation number is fixed at 2. Findings Amplifying Raylegh number intensifies streamlines, isotherms, horizontal and vertical velocities, total entropy generation whittles down local Bejan number. Higher magnetic field strength is responsible for slow movement of NEPCMs and augments local Bejan number. Growth of baffle size yields squeezes the streamlines, horizontal and vertical velocities and intensified tilted isotherms.