Analyzing thermal performance of nanofluids in an inclined square enclosure with quadratic natural convection: applications in solar energy and electronic cooling

Abstract In this article, is the concept of non-linear convective flow of an inclined porous square enclosure filled with titania–water (TiO 2 –H 2 O)/silver–water (Ag–H 2 O)/copper–water (Cu–H 2 O) nanoliquid is numerically investigated under the magnetic field effect. In the top and bottom horizontal walls there is cold and hot slits in the middle, remaining portions are kept adiabatic. The left and right walls are considered as hot and cold walls. The numerical computations are carried out using the finite difference method based Marker-and-Cell technique and the solution facilitates in understanding the heat and fluid flow variations within the cavity. In the momentum and energy equations, the impact of nonlinear Boussinesq approximation, internal heat absorption or generation, magnetic field, and porous medium are considered. Using the dimensionless variables, the governing partial differential equations are obtained in non-dimensional form. The significant effects of pertinent parameters on streamlines, isotherms, and the local heat transfer rate are graphically presented and the physical aspects are discussed. Further, the mean Nusselt number is examined using tables and the obtained results are consistent with the literature. The results clearly show a basic distinction between the linear and non-linear Boussinesq approximations. In average Nusselt number Ag–water nanofluid increases more heat transfer compared to other nanofluids.