Effect of Al2O3/H2O Nanofluid on the Flow and Forced Convection Heat Transfer Enhancement in a Pipe Using Commercial CFD Code

Abstract

The use of advanced nanofluids increases and improves the heat transfer process in different industrial and engineering applications compared to conventional fluids. In recent years, researchers have used in their research investigations the addition of nanofluids with the basic fluid to improve its thermophysical properties. This research deals with a numerical study (simulation using commercial CFD code) of forced convection heat transfer in a two-dimensional (2D) pipe by adding aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃) as a nanofluid with water (H₂O) and by partially constant heat flux along the length of the pipe and in the direction of the axis of fluid flow. Several operational parameters have been studied, including the heat transfer coefficient, the Nusselt number, the friction factor, and the pressure difference as a function of the Reynolds number, as well as studying the temperature distribution, velocity, and pressure of fluid flow inside the test section. Reynolds number range of fluid flow (3000 - 6000) with volumetric fractions of nanofluids at (0.6% and 1.5%). The results of the study showed the addition of nanofluid with water improves and increases the heat transfer coefficient and thus increases the Nusselt number, also the friction factor gradually decreases by increasing the velocity of the fluid passing into the pipe.