Numerical Investigation and Optimization of Mixed Convection and Entropy Generation in Square Cavity with Lid-Driven.

Taguchi method has been used since 1980 as an effective way to optimize the design process engineering tests. In this paper, optimal conditions of the mixed convection and entropy generation in a square cavity filled with Cu-water nanofluid is analyzed using Taguchi method. For this purpose an L16 (43) orthogonal Taguchi array is used. Discretization of the governing equations was achieved through a finite volume method and solved with SIMPLE algorithm. The effect of Richardson number (0.1-100 ), the volume fraction of copper nanoparticles (0-10%) and the wavelength of the wavy surface (0- 1) as effective parameters for analysis in four levels are considered. This analysis was performed for fixed Grashof number 1.4. The results show that the mean Nusselt number decreases by increase of the Richardson number, the volume fraction of nanoparticles and the wavelength of the wavy surface. It is found that the Flat plate (for wavy surface with the wavelength 0) and the volume fraction 0% in the Richardson number 0.1 is optimal design for heat transfer while the geometry with 0=5%, Φ = 100 and λ=0.25 is optimal design for entropy generation. Finally for maximum heat transfer and minimum entropy generation the geometry with O=0%, Φ =1 and λ=0.25 can be considered as an optimal design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]