Modelling of heat transfer and phase transitions in nanocomposites with complex nanoparticle geometry

Аuthors

Alkhateeb D.

National Research University «Moscow Power Engineering Institute», Krasnokazarmennaya str., 17, bldg. 1G, Moscow, 111250, Russia

e-mail: AlkhatibD@mpei.ru

Abstract

This paper presents a new mathematical model of heat transfer with phase change in nanocomposite phase change materials (NePCM), taking into account the influence of the shape and spatial distribution of nanoparticles within complex geometrical configurations. The proposed model is based on the enthalpy method and introduces modified governing equations for the effective thermal conductivity, specific heat capacity, and density of NePCM. These effective properties are treated as functions of both the nanoparticle volume fraction and their shape factor, including spherical, rod-like, and plate-like geometries.
A one-dimensional finite difference model was developed to simulate the melting process within a flat wall filled with NePCM. The computational algorithm employs a second-order central spatial scheme and an explicit Euler time-stepping procedure to capture the temperature evolution and phase interface motion. This numerical approach naturally describes the movement of the phase-change front without explicit tracking, ensuring both stability and transparency in interpreting the results. The selected thermophysical parameters correspond to typical organic PCM systems (such as paraffin-based materials), allowing a realistic evaluation of nanoparticle effects under practical operational conditions.
Simulation results show that even a small addition of nanoparticles (up to 5%) leads to a noticeable enhancement in heat transfer efficiency. The geometry of nanoparticles plays a crucial role: rod-shaped particles provide the most effective improvement in thermal conductivity and melting rate, while plate-like particles exhibit the weakest effect. This improvement is attributed to the formation of anisotropic conductive networks that facilitate more efficient heat transport through the composite matrix. Increasing the nanoparticle concentration also results in a more uniform temperature field and faster propagation of the melting front.

Keywords:

heat transfer, phase change, nanocomposite materials, nanoparticles, mathematical modeling, effective thermal conductivity, nanoparticle shape

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