Synergistic effects of multi-segmented magnetic fields, wavy-segmented cooling, and distributed heating on hybrid nanofluid convective flow in tilted porous enclosures

Abstract

This study investigates the complex thermal-fluid behavior within a tilted porous enclosure filled with a Cu−Al₂O₃-water hybrid nanofluid, subject to segmented magnetic fields, wavy cooling segments, and distributed heat sources. The research explores the intricate interplay between geometric factors and thermal-magnetic forces to enhance heat transfer in industrial applications. The finite volume method (FVM), coupled with the SIMPLE algorithm and a TDMA solver, is employed to solve the governing transport equations. A comprehensive parametric analysis examines the effects of key dimensionless parameters: Darcy-Rayleigh number (10–10⁴), Darcy number (10^-4–10^-1), Hartmann number (0–70), magnetic field angle (0°-180°), nanoparticle volume fraction (0–2 %), porosity (0.1–1.0), wavy cooler undulation height (0–0.3), magnetic segment width (0–1), number of segmental magnetic fields (0–4), and enclosure tilting angle (0°–180°). The study elucidates the physical mechanisms underlying the transition from uniform to segmented heating scenarios. Results reveal a remarkable enhancement of up to 38 % in heat transfer performance when transitioning from a conventional square enclosure to the proposed configuration with partial waviness on opposing walls. This improvement stems from increased surface area and disrupted thermal boundary layers, promoting better fluid mixing. The application of a segmented magnetic field with strategic orientation resulted in up to 26 % enhancement by modulating flow patterns and creating localized convection cells. The segmented heating generates thermal plumes that interact with the magnetic field-induced Lorentz forces, further improving thermal transport. The findings provide valuable insights into the design and optimization of efficient heat transfer systems in various industries, including electronics cooling, solar thermal collectors, and nuclear reactors, demonstrating significant potential for energy savings and improved thermal management through the strategic integration of hybrid nanofluids, magnetic fields, and geometric modifications in porous media applications.