Effect of nano-particles on forced convection in sinusoidal-wall channel

In this paper heat transfer and flow field in a wavy channel with nano-fluid is numerically studied. The temperature of input fluid (T-c) is taken less than that of the wavy horizontal walls (T-w). The governing equations are numerically solved in the domain by the control volume approach based on the SIMPLE technique. Copper-water nano-fluid is considered for simulation. A wide spectrum of numerical simulations has been done over a range of Reynolds number, Re-H, 5 <= Re-H <= 1500, nano-fluid volume fraction, phi, 0 <=phi <= 20% and the wave amplitude, alpha, 0 <=alpha <= 0.3. The effects of these parameters are investigated on the local and average Nusselt numbers and the skin friction coefficient. Simulations show excellent agreement with the literature. From this study, it is concluded that heat transfer in channels can enhance by addition of nano-particles, and usage of wavy horizontal walls. These can enhance the heat transfer by 50%. The present work can provide helpful guidelines to the manufacturers of the compact heat exchangers. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.