Heat transfer and fluid flow analysis over the microscale backward-facing step using βGa₂O₃ nanoparticles

ABSTRACT

In the paper, an experimental work examining the impact of βGa₂O₃/water nanofluid turbulent flow through a microscale backward-facing step has been conducted. The Reynolds number range of 5,000 to 10,000 has been applied. Numerical simulation was conducted to validate the current experimental study. The results indicated a significant increase in the Nusselt number compared to the base fluid. However, increasing the volume fraction led to an increase in the friction factor. Moreover, the pumping power has been increased due to the pressure drop increases. As a result, performance evaluation criteria have been established for evaluating the thermal performance of βGa₂O₃/water.

KEYWORDS:

• Turbulent flow
• heat transfer
• microscale backward-facing step
• nanofluid preparation
• βGa₂O₃

Nomenclature

Table

Abbreviations

BFS backward-facing stepMBFS microscale backward-facing step

Greek symbols

$\phi$volume fraction$\theta$dimensionless temperature$\rho$density$\nu$kinetic viscosity$\mu$dynamic viscosity

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).