Effect of a magnetic field on natural convection in an inclined half-annulus enclosure filled with Cu–water nanofluid using CVFEM

In this paper, the effect of a magnetic field on natural convection in a half-annulus enclosure with one wall under constant heat flux using control volume based finite element method. The fluid in the enclosure is a water-based nanofluid containing Cu nanoparticles. The effective thermal conductivity and viscosity of nanofluid are calculated using the Maxwell–Garnetts (MG) and Brinkman models, respectively. Numerical simulations were performed for different governing parameters namely the Hartmann number, Rayleigh number and inclination angle of enclosure. The results indicate that Hartmann number and the inclination angle of the enclosure can be control parameters at different Rayleigh number. In presence of magnetic field velocity field retarded and hence convection and Nusselt number decreases.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights• MHD nanofluid flow in an inclined half-annulus is investigated. • CVFEM is used to solve this problem. • Nusselt number has direct relationship with ϕ and Ra. • Nusselt number has reverse relationship with Ha. • Inclination angle of the enclosure can be control parameter.