The Effect of U-Bends on the Convective Heat Transfer Coefficient of Nanofluids Flow

Alamirsyah Alamirsyah (Department of Mechanical Engineering, Andalas University, Padang, West Sumatra, Indonesia)
Adek Tasri (Department of Mechanical Engineering, Andalas University, Padang, West Sumatra, Indonesia)

Journal of Ocean, Mechanical and Aerospace -science and engineering- (JOMAse)
Vol 70 No 1 (2026): Journal of Ocean, Mechanical and Aerospace -science and engineering- (JOMAse)

One effort that can increase the convection heat transfer coefficient between fluid and solid surface is adding nanoparticles to the fluid. However, there are several flow-path conditions, such as concavities and U-turns, can affect the distribution of nanoparticles in the fluid and, in turn, the heat transfer coefficient. This paper studies the effect of a U-turn on the transfer coefficient. The study was conducted using numerical simulations to determine changes in the heat transfer coefficient along the U-turn. It was found that the convection heat transfer coefficient increased at several locations on the outside of the U-turn. The heat transfer coefficient also increased at several locations on the inside of the bend, though by smaller amounts.