A Numerical Study to Verify the Importance of Using Several Nanomaterials in Improving Heat Transfer in Pipes

Abstract

A numerical investigation was conducted to investigate the importance of using nanomaterials to improve heating and cooling in tubes. This study examined the incorporation of nanoparticles such as iron oxides, aluminium oxides, titanium dioxides, silicon oxides, and carbon nanotubes into the chosen metal at concentrations of 1%, 5%, and 10%. Copper was selected as the pipe material, with iron oxides, aluminium oxide, titanium dioxide, silicon oxide, and carbon nanotubes incorporated as nanomaterials. The study was conducted using Ansys/Fluent 16 software. The findings demonstrate that, among the nanomaterials tested, only carbon nanotubes enhance heat transfer, with a nanoparticle concentration of 10% yielding a significant improvement in heat transmission. By contrast, iron oxides, aluminium oxide, titanium dioxide, and silicon oxide have no effect on heat transfer when used, and some of these nanomaterials reduce heat transfer. When copper is heated and a larger amount of these low-thermal-conductivity materials is added, the heat flux decreases.