Separation Phenomenon in a Forced Convection Non-Similar Externally Retarded Nanofluid Flow

Abstract

The study of heat transfer phenomena in non-similar flow of nanofluid is the subject of this investigation. The external retarded flow past a flat plate is considered which does not allow the self-similarity solution. To enhance the heat transfer rate nanofluid has been considered instead of the pure fluid. The nanoparticles of Aluminum Oxide are disseminated in the Water, being base fluid, to form the nanofluid. The consideration of nanofluid results in a substantial heat transfer augmentation along with the skin friction coefficient and both are observed to be further enhanced with higher concentration of nanoparticles. Almost 48% and 36% of gain in heat transfer rate and skin friction coefficient, respectively, have been observed in the 20% nanoparticle concentration at the downstream location where separation is occurring. However, a 67% gain in skin friction coefficient is observed for other downstream locations. The effect of nanoparticle concentration on the separation phenomena has also been investigated carefully and it is found that the concentration of nanoparticle does not delay the flow separation in this case. The effect of nanoparticle concentration on velocity and temperature profiles and their gradients is depicted and discussed through several graphs.