Convective heat transport and entropy generation in butterfly-shaped magneto-nanofluidic systems with bottom heating and top cooling

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to carry out a comprehensive analysis of magneto-hydrodynamics (MHD), nanofluidic flow dynamics and heat transfer as well as thermodynamic irreversibility, within a novel butterfly-shaped cavity. Gaining a thorough understanding of these phenomena will help to facilitate the design and optimization of thermal systems with complex geometries under magnetic fields in diverse applications.Design/methodology/approachTo achieve the objective, the finite element method is used to solve the governing equations of the problem. The effects of various controlling parameters such as butterfly-shaped triangle vertex angle (T), Rayleigh number (Ra), Hartmann number (Ha) and magnetic field inclination angle (gamma ) on the hydrothermal performance are analyzed meticulously. By investigating the effects of these parameters, the authors contribute to the existing knowledge by shedding light on their influence on heat and fluid transport within butterfly-shaped cavities.FindingsThe major findings of this study reveal that the geometrical shape significantly alters fluid motion, heat transfer and irreversibility production. Maximum heat transfer, as well as entropy generation, occurs when the Rayleigh number reaches its maximum, the Hartmann number is minimized and the angle of the magnetic field is set to 30 degrees or 150 degrees, while the butterfly wings angle or vertex angle is kept at a maximum of 120 degrees. The intensity of the magnetic field significantly controls the heat flow dynamics, with higher magnetic field strength causing a reduction in the flow strength as well as heat transfer. This configuration optimizes the heat transfer characteristics in the system.Research limitations/implicationsFurther research can be expanded on this study by examining thermal performance under different curvature effects, orientations, boundary conditions and additional factors. This can be accomplished through numerical simulations or experimental investigations under various multiphysical scenarios.Practical implicationsThe geometric configurations explored in this research have practical applications in various engineering fields, including heat exchangers, crystallization processes, microelectronic devices, energy storage systems, mixing processes, food processing, air-conditioning, filtration and more.Originality/valueThis study brings value by exploring a novel geometric configuration comprising the nanofluidic flow, and MHD effect, providing insights and potential innovations in the field of thermal fluid dynamics. The findings contribute a lot toward maximizing thermal performance in diverse fields of applications. The comparison of different hydrothermal behavior and thermodynamic entropy production under the varying geometric configuration adds novelty to this study.