Thermomagnetic convection in two- and three-dimensional channels using the lattice Boltzmann method

Abstract

Paper presented at the 9th International Conference on Heat Transfer, Fluid Mechanics and Thermodynamics, Malta, 16-18 July, 2012.

The influence of a magnetic field on heat transfer is studied by using the lattice Boltzmann method for a magnetic fluid (ferrofluid) flowing through a two-dimensional micro channel; to analyse the effect of the sidewalls upon the flow and heat transfer, the three-dimensional version of the micro channel is also studied. This problem is of considerable interest when dealing with cooling of micro-electronic devices. The magnitude of the magnetic force is controlled by changing the electrical current through a dipole. The results indicate that the flow is relatively uninfluenced by the magnetic field until its strength is large enough for the Kelvin body force to overcome the viscous force. It was observed that the magnetic force was able to change the flow field and increase the heat transfer in the channel.