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Mathematical analysis of nano-fuel flow and heat transfer mechanism in an automobile’s exhaust catalytic converter
Thesis (MMil)--Stellenbosch University, 2025.
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| Format: | Thesis |
| Language: | en_ZA |
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Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University
2025
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| _version_ | 1867613769357590528 |
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| access_status_str | Open Access |
| author | Chokoe, Itumeleng Gift |
| author2 | Makinde, O. D. |
| author_browse | Chokoe, Itumeleng Gift Makinde, O. D. |
| author_facet | Makinde, O. D. Chokoe, Itumeleng Gift |
| author_sort | Chokoe, Itumeleng Gift |
| collection | Thesis |
| dc_rights_str_mv | Stellenbosch University |
| description | Thesis (MMil)--Stellenbosch University, 2025. |
| format | Thesis |
| id | oai:scholar.sun.ac.za:10019.1/134570 |
| institution | Stellenbosch University (South Africa) |
| language | en_ZA |
| last_indexed | 2026-06-10T12:41:24.431Z |
| license_str | Other — see source repository |
| provenance_str_mv | Harvested via OAI-PMH from SUNScholar — Stellenbosch University Repository |
| publishDate | 2025 |
| publishDateRange | 2025 |
| publishDateSort | 2025 |
| publisher | Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University |
| publisherStr | Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University |
| record_format | dspace |
| source_str | SUNScholar — Stellenbosch University Repository |
| spelling | oai:scholar.sun.ac.za:10019.1/134570 Mathematical analysis of nano-fuel flow and heat transfer mechanism in an automobile’s exhaust catalytic converter Chokoe, Itumeleng Gift Makinde, O. D. Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Military Science. School for Science and Technology. Heat -- Transmission Fluid dynamics Nanofluids Automobiles -- Catalytic converters Mathematical models UCTD Thesis (MMil)--Stellenbosch University, 2025. Chokoe, I. G. 2025. Mathematical analysis of nano-fuel flow and heat transfer mechanism in an automobile’s exhaust catalytic converter. Unpublished masters thesis. Stellenbosch: Stellenbosch University [online]. Available: https://scholar.sun.ac.za/items/18d07d30-7ef7-4521-8184-cb75d0ea63bd ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The global pursuit of sustainable and cleaner automotive technologies has intensified research efforts into advanced combustion systems and emission reduction strategies. In this context, the present study develops a comprehensive mathematical model that examines the exothermic reactive convection of nano-fuels within an automotive catalytic converter, with the overarching aim of improving thermal efficiency and reducing pollutant emissions. The model integrates the effects of nano-fuel combustion, nonlinear heat generation, and the complex interplay between convective and conductive heat transfer within the porous catalytic monolith. By formulating and analyzing the governing momentum and energy conservation equations under steady-state conditions, the research provides insight into the thermophysical behaviour of nano-fuel-driven catalytic systems. Special emphasis is placed on the onset of thermal criticality, a phenomenon characterized by a rapid temperature escalation due to exothermic chemical reactions, which poses significant risks of thermal runaway and potential system instability. Through detailed parametric analysis, the study explores the influence of key operational and material parameters, including nanoparticle concentration, activation energy, converter permeability, and external flow characteristics, in order to delineate safe operational regimes and optimise thermal performance. The results reveal that the inclusion of nanoparticles in fuel mixtures enhances both heat and mass transfer, facilitates more complete combustion, and lowers the ignition threshold required for pollutant oxidation, thereby improving the catalytic converter’s overall efficiency. Furthermore, effective management of thermal criticality is shown to be crucial in maintaining stable catalytic performance and achieving long-term emission control. These outcomes underscore the potential of nano-fuel technology as a viable pathway toward cleaner combustion and more efficient energy conversion in automotive systems. Structurally, the thesis is organized to provide a systematic exploration of the research objectives. Chapter 1 introduces the fundamental concepts of nano-fuel dynamics, catalytic converter operation, heat transfer in porous media, and entropy generation, alongside a critical review of related literature, the statement of the research problem, objectives, significance, and limitations. Chapter 2 details the adopted numerical methodology, specifically a shooting-based Runge–Kutta algorithm used to obtain reliable solutions to the nonlinear differential equations governing the system. Chapters 3 and 4 present the thermal and entropy analyses of nano-fuel flow in the catalytic converter, with extensive graphical and quantitative discussions of the results. Finally, Chapter 5 summarizes the principal findings, highlights the implications for automotive thermal management and emission control, and proposes directions for future research and technological development. AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Geen opsomming beskikbaar nie. Masters 2025-12-12T13:50:04Z 2025-12-12T13:50:04Z 2025-12 Thesis https://scholar.sun.ac.za/handle/10019.1/134570 en_ZA Stellenbosch University 98 pages : illustrations application/pdf Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University |
| spellingShingle | Heat -- Transmission Fluid dynamics Nanofluids Automobiles -- Catalytic converters Mathematical models UCTD Chokoe, Itumeleng Gift Mathematical analysis of nano-fuel flow and heat transfer mechanism in an automobile’s exhaust catalytic converter |
| title | Mathematical analysis of nano-fuel flow and heat transfer mechanism in an automobile’s exhaust catalytic converter |
| title_full | Mathematical analysis of nano-fuel flow and heat transfer mechanism in an automobile’s exhaust catalytic converter |
| title_fullStr | Mathematical analysis of nano-fuel flow and heat transfer mechanism in an automobile’s exhaust catalytic converter |
| title_full_unstemmed | Mathematical analysis of nano-fuel flow and heat transfer mechanism in an automobile’s exhaust catalytic converter |
| title_short | Mathematical analysis of nano-fuel flow and heat transfer mechanism in an automobile’s exhaust catalytic converter |
| title_sort | mathematical analysis of nano fuel flow and heat transfer mechanism in an automobile s exhaust catalytic converter |
| topic | Heat -- Transmission Fluid dynamics Nanofluids Automobiles -- Catalytic converters Mathematical models UCTD |
| url | https://scholar.sun.ac.za/handle/10019.1/134570 |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT chokoeitumelenggift mathematicalanalysisofnanofuelflowandheattransfermechanisminanautomobilesexhaustcatalyticconverter |