Analyzing flow characteristics and convective transport phenomenon of nanofluid flow inside a square cavity

Abstract

Efficient thermal management in confined spaces is a critical requirement in various fields, including biomedical applications like ureteroscopy, where precise temperature regulation is essential for patient safety and procedural efficacy. This study investigates the flow and heat transfer characteristics of copper-water nanofluids within a two-dimensional channel cavity, emphasizing the combined effects of convection and nanoparticle dynamics. Using the finite element method, the research systematically evaluates the influence of key parameters, including Reynolds number (Re), Grashof number (Gr), and nanoparticle volume fraction (ϕ), on thermal and flow behaviours. Quantitative analysis revealed that as Gr increased, isotherms aligned more horizontally due to enhanced buoyancy-driven convection, with a corresponding increase in the Nusselt number on heated walls by up to 85%. Conversely, an increase in ϕ reduced the Nusselt number by approximately 12%, highlighting the trade-off between nanoparticle-induced viscosity and thermal conductivity. The study also found that kinetic energy increased linearly with both Re and Gr, demonstrating intensified fluid motion and turbulence within the cavity. These findings are significant for optimizing fluid dynamics and thermal efficiency in medical procedures like ureteroscopy, where effective cooling and irrigation systems are critical. The insights into nanoparticle effects and convection mechanisms provide a foundation for designing energy-efficient and thermally optimized systems in biomedical devices and beyond. Future work should focus on experimental validation and exploring hybrid nanoparticle formulations to further enhance system performance.