Numerical study of influence of nanoparticle shape on the natural convection in Cu-water nanofluid

► Influence of nanoparticle shape on flow and heat transfer in nanofluids was investigated. ► Spherical and spheroidal nanoparticles in Cu-water nanofluids were examined. ► A meshless numerical technique was used to solve the Navier-Stokes equations. ► Nanoparticles increased the heat transfer characteristics of the natural convection. ► Agglomeration of nanoparticles should be taken into account in future studies.