Mixed convection in a lid-driven triangular enclosure filled with nanofluids

This paper presents the results of a numerical study on the mixed convection in a lid-driven triangular enclosure filled with a water-Al(2)O(3) nanofluid. A comparison study between two different scenarios of upward and downward left sliding walls is presented. The effects of parameters such as Richardson number, solid volume fraction and the direction of the sliding wall motion on the flow and temperature fields as well as the heat transfer rate are examined. The results show that the addition of Al(2)O(3) nanoparticles enhances the heat transfer rate for all values of Richardson number and for each direction of the sliding wall motion. However, the downward sliding wall motion results in a stronger flow circulation within the enclosure and hence, a higher heat transfer rate. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.