Computational analysis of heat transfer for hybrid nanofluid flow within a wavy lid-driven cavity with entropy generation and non-uniform heating

Abstract

This study investigates entropy generation, mixed convection, and magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) effects in hybrid nanofluid flow within a wavy lid-driven cavity with non-uniform heated wall. This research addresses a significant problem in heat transfer system efficiency which is essential for uses such as solar energy collection, medical devices, and microelectronics cooling. The nondimensional governing equations are solved using the Finite Element Method (FEM) for various key parameters including Hartmann number ($\mathrm{Ha}$), Grashof number ($\mathrm{Gr}$), Reynolds number ($Re$), volume fraction ($\varphi$), number of undulations ($N$), wave amplitude ($A$), radius of cylinder ($r$) and inclined magnetic field ($\gamma$). Findings show that the enhancement of Grashof number, inclined angle, volume fraction and Reynolds number depict increasing flow magnitude but the number of undulations, radius of cylinder and Hartmann number cause a decay in flow strength. Increasing $Re$ and $\mathrm{Gr}$ enhances heat transfer, with an average Nusselt number increase of 5.4 times when $Re=300$ and $\mathrm{Gr}={10}^6$ compared to $Re=10$ and $\mathrm{Gr}={10}^3$. Entropy generation is significantly influenced by $N$ with the highest total entropy observed at $N=4$. In contrast to previous studies, the novelty of this investigation lies in the unique geometric configuration featuring a wavy lid-driven cavity with an embedded cylinder and non-uniformly heated walls. This study of hybrid nanofluids and an angled magnetic field provides new paths for improving heat transfer and decreasing entropy generation. This study enhances previous literature by providing comprehensive quantitative insights into how they interact between those parameters opening the way for more efficient heat management in modern technological systems.