Minimizing entropy generation is a major challenge in the design of thermal equipment, as it can significantly reduce energy consumption and operational costs. Achieving this leads to more sustainable technological solutions in applications such as heat exchangers and gas turbines, where cylindrical geometries are commonly used. While extensive research has been conducted on nanofluids, few studies have explored the behavior of shear-thinning nanofluids on cylindrical surfaces with slip conditions. This study aims to analyze entropy generation and its impact on heat transfer in shear-thinning nanofluids over a cylindrical stretching surface.
The Williamson fluid model characterizes the shear-thinning behavior of nanofluids, while the Buongiorno model accounts for nanoparticle transport mechanisms, including Brownian motion and thermophoresis. To solve the governing equations, the ``bvp4c’’ solver is used, requiring the transformation of partial differential equations into ordinary differential equations using suitable similarity transformations. After ensuring the convergence and stability of the solutions, the results are validated before being tabulated and plotted for further analysis.
The magnetic field regulates velocity and nanoparticle concentration while increasing temperature. Drag force decreases with a magnetic field or higher Prandtl number. Heat transfer improves with stronger buoyancy forces and higher Prandtl numbers. Entropy generation reduces with surface slip or a magnetic field, offering insights for optimizing shear-thinning nanofluids in thermal systems.
This study introduces a novel approach to improving hydrothermal system efficiency by examining the combined effects of porous media, velocity slip and shear-thinning nanofluids in cylindrical configurations. The findings of this study offer valuable insights for optimizing thermal management in industrial applications, particularly in advanced heat exchangers and gas turbine cooling.
