Numerical study for transport of water based nanofluids through an asymmetric channel with wavy walls

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a model for the peristaltic transport of water-based nanofluids and to analyze the impact of nanoparticles on the heat transfer characteristics.

Design/methodology/approach

Numerical solutions are obtained using the shooting method.

Findings

Pressure gradient decreases whereas the peristaltic pumping region increases with an increase in nanoparticle volume fraction. Silver-water nanofluid experiences greater frictional force at the wall. Temperature of the nanofluid decreases with an increase in nanoparticle volume fraction. Nanoparticles largely increase the heat transfer rate at the boundary. Such increase is maximum when is varied between zero and 0.1.

Originality/value

This paper first time develops a model to examine the peristaltic flow of water-based nanofluids. Enhancement of heat transfer in the peristaltic flows due to addition of nanoparticles is investigated.

Citation

Hayat, T., Abbasi, F.M. and Ahmad, B. (2015), "Numerical study for transport of water based nanofluids through an asymmetric channel with wavy walls", International Journal of Numerical Methods for Heat & Fluid Flow, Vol. 25 No. 8, pp. 1868-1885. https://doi.org/10.1108/HFF-04-2014-0111