Abstract:
This study numerically investigates magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) nanofluid flow and entropy production in a trapezoidal-shaped thermal system with a centrally positioned half-elliptical heater. Fe3O4/water nanofluid is utilized as the carrier medium with the system subjected to a uniform magnetizing field. The evolved transport equations are solved numerically adopting the finite element method, with results illustrated through streamlines, isotherms, energy flux vectors, and entropy generation contours. The effects of key variables including Rayleigh number (103 ≤ Ra ≤ 106), Hartmann number (0 ≤ Ha ≤ 100), and orientation of the magnetic field (0° ≤ γ ≤ 180°) are systematically analyzed. From the results, it is observed that increasing Ra augments heat transfer and flow strength, while higher Ha values suppress convection. Magnetic field orientation meaningfully influences hydrothermal flow patterns and thermal transport dynamics. The trapezoidal geometry consistently outperforms square and inverted trapezoidal configurations in terms of heat transfer efficiency. Entropy generation analysis shows that thermal entropy production dictates the viscous as well as magnetic irreversibilities. The results of this study offer important comprehensions for enhancing thermal management in MHD nanofluidic thermal systems with intricate geometries.
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