Conjugate Heat Transfer from Sudden Expansion Using Nanofluid

Conjugate heat transfer from sudden expansion using nanofluid is studied numerically. The governing equations are solved using unsteady stream function-vorticity formulation method. Results are compared with zero nanoparticle fluid to exhibit the role of nanoparticle. The effect of volume fraction of nanoparticles and type of nanoparticles on heat transfer are examined and found to have a significant impact. Local Nusselt number and average Nusselt number are reported in connection with various nanoparticle, volume fraction, and Reynolds number for expansion ratio 2. Two dimensionality is more pronounced in the solid wall up to recirculation length. Local Nusselt number reaches peak values near the reattachment point and reaches asymptotic value in the downstream. Bottom wall eddy and volume fraction show significant impact on average Nusselt number. The wall thickness causes larger temperature gradient at the conjugate interface boundary, which leads to larger average Nusselt number.