FEA of entropy generation due to free convection of hybrid-nanofluid in a partially heated tilted porous enclosure with wavy wall

Purpose This study aims to analyze entropy generation in free convection within a partially heated wavy non-Darcy porous cavity, considering the presence of hybrid nanofluid and the impact of the cavity's inclination angle. Design/methodology/approach The coupled nonlinear equations modeling of the convection process in a hybrid nanofluid saturated non-Darcy porous cavity are solved by the Galerkin finite element method. The cavity is at low ambient temperature along the wavy wall and exposed to a partial heat flux on the left wall, keeping the remaining walls thermally insulated. Findings The results obtained for entropy generation are analyzed using a wide number of governing parameters. The results show that the Bejan number is increased due to the hybrid nanofluid and the non-Darcian inertial forces. Originality/value The study of entropy generation is crucial for designing industrial equipment and other systems involving porous cavities. This research significantly contributes to the engineering design of heat transfer devices that use a wavy porous cavity, particularly under partial heating conditions. Unlike traditional approaches based on Darcy’s law, this investigation uses the Darcy–Forchheimer relations to provide a more accurate analysis.