Numerical study of mixed convection flows in a square lid-driven cavity utilizing nanofluid

A numerical investigation of laminar mixed convection flows through a copper–water nanofluid in a square lid-driven cavity has been executed. In the present study, the top and bottom horizontal walls are insulated while the vertical walls are maintained at constant but different temperatures. The study has been carried out for the Rayleigh number 104 to 106, Reynolds number 1 to 100 and the solid volume fraction 0 to 0.05. The thermal conductivity and effective viscosity of nanofluid have been calculated by Patel and Brinkman models, respectively. The effects of solid volume fraction of nanofluids on hydrodynamic and thermal characteristics have been investigated and discussed. It is found that at the fixed Reynolds number, the solid concentration affects on the flow pattern and thermal behavior particularly for a higher Rayleigh number. In addition it is observed that the effect of solid concentration decreases by the increase of Reynolds number.