Numerical Investigation on Thermophoresis and Deposition of Nano Particles in Rectangular Duct Flow

Abstract

In high thermal gradient environment, nano particles often adhere on wall surfaces of fluid machinery due to thermophoresis effects, which results in energy loss. Its deposition mechanism has not been clarified yet. In this study, we perform numerical simulations of a rectangular duct flow with a flat plate to investigate nano-particle motion and its deposition phenomenon. The Euler-Lagrange coupling method is employed to reproduce interaction between particles and the flow field. The results show that the thermophoresis dominates nano-particle motion and the deposition layer forms around the flat plate on the low temperature wall of the duct. Due to the adiabatic deposition layer, however, the thermophoresis effect decreases.