Impact of electric field on nanofluid forced convection heat transfer with considering variable properties

- EHD influence on nanofluid forced convection is investigated.
- Electric field dependent viscosity is considered.
- CVFEM is used to solve the governing equations.
- Nu increase with increase of φ and voltage supply.

Nanofluid forced convection heat transfer is simulated in presence of electric field. The bottom wall is lid driven and considered as positive electrode. The working fluid is Fe3O4-ethylene glycol nanofluid. Control volume based finite element method is selected to obtain the results which are the roles of volume fraction of Fe3O4 (ϕ), Reynolds number (Re) and supplied voltage (Δφ). Electric field dependent (EFD) viscosity of nanofluid according to previous experimental data is taken into account. Results indicate that Coulomb force helps the convective mode so temperature gradient enhances by enhancing Coulomb force. Enhancing in temperature gradient due to existence of electric field is highest at low Reynolds number.