Shear and Magnetic Field Effects on Cu-H2O Nanofluid Flow and Heat Transfer

This study numerically investigates [Formula: see text] nanofluid flow past a square cylinder under nonuniform inlet velocity and a transverse magnetic field. A higher-order compact finite difference scheme is formulated to investigate the flow physics. The analysis examines the combined influence of inlet shear flow, magnetic field strength, and nanoparticle concentration on the flow dynamics and heat transfer characteristics of the nanofluid. The magnetic field suppresses both primary and secondary vortices. Shear acts synergistically with the magnetic field to dampen primary vortices. Secondary vortices intensify with increasing shear rate. The magnetic field, however, ultimately overcomes this effect and suppresses these structures. Temperature contours and local Nusselt number distribution characterize thermal boundary-layer formation. Optimal thermal performance is achieved at the highest values of magnetic field strength, inlet shear, and nanoparticle concentration tested in this study. The average Nusselt number increases from 5.98 for uniform flow of pure water to 9.72. This enhancement provides new insight into the cooperative action of shear flow, magnetic stabilization, and nanoparticle addition in augmenting heat transfer.