Numerical Study of Convective Heat Transfer Flow of Non-Newtonian Nanofluid Over Backward Facing Step

This paper presents the numerical predictions of hydrodynamic and thermal characteristics of non-Newtonian nanofluid flow through backward facing step. The governing equations are solved through the finite volume method, as described by Patankar, by taking into account the associated boundary conditions. The SIMPLER algorithm is used to handle the pressure-velocity coupling. Empirical relations were used to give the effective dynamic viscosity and the thermal conductivity of the nanofluid. Effects of different key parameters such as Reynolds number, nanoparticle solid volume fraction and nanoparticle solid diameter on the heat transfer and fluid flow are investigated. The results are discussed in terms of the average Nusselt number, streamlines and velocity profiles.