Numerical study of the volume fraction and thermophysical properties of nanofluids in a porous medium

• Published in: Multidiscipline modeling in materials and structures 2024-05, Vol.20 (3), p.437-447
• Main Authors: EL Hana, Ahmed, Hader, Ahmed, Ait Lahcen, Jaouad, Moushi, Salma, Hariti, Yassine, Tarras, Iliass, Et Touizi, Rachid, Boughaleb, Yahia
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Brownian motion; Conductivity; Density; Fluids; Heat; Heat conductivity; Heat transfer; Industrial applications; Mathematical analysis; Membrane permeability; Nanofluids; Nanoparticles; Particle shape; Permeability; Physical properties; Pore size; Porous media; Shape effects; Specific heat; Temperature effects; Thermal conductivity; Thermophysical properties; Viscosity
• ISSN: 1573-6105; 1573-6113
• DOI: 10.1108/MMMS-12-2023-0391

PurposeThe purpose of the paper is to conduct a numerical and experimental investigation into the properties of nanofluids containing spherical nanoparticles of random sizes flowing through a porous medium. The study aims to understand how the thermophysical properties of the nanofluid are affected by factors such as nanoparticle volume fraction, permeability of the porous medium, and pore size. The paper provides insights into the behavior of nanofluids in complex environments and explores the impact of varying conditions on key properties such as thermal conductivity, density, viscosity, and specific heat. Ultimately, the research contributes to the broader understanding of nanofluid dynamics and has potential implications for engineering and industrial applications in porous media.Design/methodology/approachThis paper investigates nanofluids with spherical nanoparticles in a porous medium, exploring thermal conductivity, density, specific heat, and dynamic viscosity. Studying three compositions, the analysis employs the classical Maxwell model and Koo and Kleinstreuer’s approach for thermal conductivity, considering particle shape and temperature effects. Density and specific heat are defined based on mass and volume ratios. Dynamic viscosity models, including Brinkman’s and Gherasim et al.'s, are discussed. Numerical simulations, implemented in Python using the Langevin model, yield results processed in Origin Pro. This research enhances understanding of nanofluid behavior, contributing valuable insights to porous media applications.FindingsThis study involves a numerical examination of nanofluid properties, featuring spherical nanoparticles of varying sizes suspended in a base fluid with known density, flowing through a porous medium. Experimental findings reveal a notable increase in thermal conductivity, density, and viscosity as the volume fraction of particles rises. Conversely, specific heat experiences a decrease with higher particle volume concentration.xD; xA; The influence of permeability and pore size on particle volume fraction variation is a key focus. Interestingly, while the permeability of the medium has a significant effect, it is observed that it increases with permeability. This underscores the role of the medium’s nature in altering the thermophysical properties of nanofluids.Originality/valueThis paper presents a novel numerical study on nanofluids with randomly sized spherical nanoparticles flowing in a porous medium. It explores