Comparative analysis of the water-based nanofluids in semi-circular heat transfer systems for thermohydraulic performance evaluation

Abstract

This study presents a comprehensive numerical investigation of the thermohydraulic behavior of seven water-based nanofluids, Al, Al₂O₃, Cu, CuO, graphene (G), graphene oxide (GO), and hexagonal boron nitride (hBN), within a two-dimensional semi-circular cavity under a transitional regime. Using the transition SST K–ω model in the ANSYS Fluent software, simulations were conducted at a Reynolds number of 2500, incorporating nanoparticles at concentrations ranging from 0.5% to 5% by volume. The thermophysical properties were modeled using the established correlations. Key performance indicators included the convective heat transfer coefficient, Nusselt number, cavity wall temperature, thermal effectiveness, pressure drop, pumping power, and thermal performance factor (TPF). Results revealed that G/water and hBN/water nanofluids consistently outperformed others, delivering up to 53% and 42% heat transfer enhancement, respectively, with minimal hydraulic penalties. In contrast, Cu/water and CuO/water nanofluids, while thermally effective, exhibited a significant pressure drop and energy cost. Al/water, Al₂O₃/water, and GO/water demonstrated limited thermal gains relative to their pumping demands. These results highlight the importance of balancing the thermal conductivity, dispersion stability, and hydrodynamic performance in the nanofluid design, particularly for applications in electronics cooling and compact heat exchange systems.