Non-Newtonian effect on heat transfer and entropy generation of natural convection nanofluid flow inside a vertical wavy porous cavity

Abstract A numerical study on heat transfer and entropy generation in natural convection of non-Newtonian nanofluid flow has been explored within a differentially heated two-dimensional wavy porous cavity. In the present study, copper (Cu)–water is considered for investigation where specific behavior Cu nanoparticles water to behave as based previously established experimental results. The power-law model Brinkman-extended Darcy used characterize medium. governing equations are solved using finite volume method with collocated grid arrangement. Numerical results presented through streamlines, isotherms, local Nusselt number rate effects range ( Da ), fractions ϕ ) nanofluids, Rayleigh numbers Ra index n ). Results show that from wall medium becomes enhanced by decreasing but increasing fraction nanoparticles. Increase porosity level buoyancy forces augments strength thinner boundary layer At negligible enclosure, effect over thermal conductivity nanofluids imperceptible. Interestingly, when Darcy–Rayleigh $$Ra^*\gg 10$$ R a ∗ ≫ 10 , more significant than augmentation convective process. highly dominated irreversibility enclosure all conditions particular shape cavity strongly influences pattern generation. contour graphs Bejan rotationally symmetric order two about center