Complex dynamics of induced vortex formation and thermal-fluid coupling in tri-hybrid nanofluid under localized magnetic field: a novel study

Abstract Hybrid nanofluids offer higher stability, synergistic effects, and better heat transfer compared to simple nanofluids. Their higher thermal conductivity, lower viscosity, and interaction with magnetic fields make them ideal for various applications, including materials science, transportation, medical technology, energy, and fundamental physics. The governing partial differential equations are numerically solved by employing a finite volume approach, and the effects of various parameters on the nanofluid flow and thermal characteristics are systematically examined from the simulations based on a self-developed MATLAB code. The parameters included magnetic field strength, the Reynolds number, the nanoparticle volume fraction, and the number and position of the strips in which the magnetic field is localized. It has been noted that the magnetized field induces the spinning of the tri-hybrid nanoparticles, which generates the intricate structure of vortices in the flow. The local skin friction (CfRe) and the Nusselt number (Nu) increase significantly when the magnetic field is intensified. Moreover, adding more nanoparticles in the flow enhances both Nu and CfRe, but with different effects for different nanoparticles. Silver (Ag) shows the highest increase in both Nu (52%) and CfRe (110%), indicating strong thermal-fluid coupling. Alumina (Al2O3) and Titanium Dioxide (TiO2) show lower increases in both Nu (43% and 34%) and CfRe (14% and 10%), indicating weaker coupling in the flow. Finally, compared with the localized one, the uniform magnetic field has a minor effect on the flow and temperature distributions.