Finite element analysis of Cu-water nanofluid flow and heat transfer in a dynamically bulging enclosure

PurposeThe main purpose of this study is to analyze the heat transfer phenomena in a dynamically bulging enclosure filled with Cu-water nanofluid. This study examines the convective heat transfer process induced by a bulging area considered a heat source, with the enclosure's side walls having a low temperature and top and bottom walls being treated as adiabatic. Various factors, such as the Rayleigh number (Ra), nanoparticle volume fraction, Darcy effects, Hartmann number (Ha) and effects of magnetic inclination, are analyzed for their impact on the flow behavior and temperature distribution.Design/methodology/approachThe finite element method (FEM) is employed for simulating variations in flow and temperature after validating the results. Solving the non-linear partial differential equations while incorporating the modified Darcy number (10−3 ≤ Da ≤ 10−1), Ra (103 ≤ Ra ≤ 105) and Ha (0 ≤ Ha ≤ 100) as the dimensionless operational parameters.FindingsThis study demonstrates that in enclosures with dynamically positioned bulges filled with Cu-water nanofluid, heat transfer is significantly influenced by the bulge location and nanoparticle volume fraction, which alter flow and heat patterns. The varying impact of magnetic fields on heat transfer depends on the Rayleigh and Has.Practical implicationsThe geometry configurations employed in this research have broad applications in various engineering disciplines, including heat exchangers, energy storage, biomedical systems and food processing.Originality/valueThis research provides insights into how different shapes of the heated bulging area impact the hydromagnetic convection of Cu-water nanofluid flow in a dynamically bulging-shaped porous system, encompassing curved surfaces and various multi-physical conditions.