Heat and mass transfer analysis in nanofluids

In this study, forced convection heat transfer of nanofluids under laminar flow conditions are studied numerically using single-phase and two-phase approaches. Governing equations have been obtained for two different single-phase approaches (homogeneous model I and homogeneous model II) and three different two-phase approaches (discrete phase, mixture and Euler). Numerical solutions of the governing equations are carried out using finite volume method. Results of the analysis are compared with experimental studies in the literature. Euler model is selected to be the most appropriate model for nanofluids. Mixed convection analysis of nanofluids are performed using the selected model. In addition, the nanoparticle volume fraction, Reynolds number and Grashof number effects on velocity and thermal fields were presented by graphs and tables and discussed. Keywords: nanofluid, homogeneous model, discrete phase model, mixture model, Euler model, forced convection, mixed convection, finite volume method