Numerical Approaches for Convective Heat Transfer with Nanofluids

Abstract

Nanofluids which constitute base fluids and metallic or nonmetallic particles having sizes less than 100 nm are known to have better thermal conductivity than conventional fluids. Such heat transfer enhancement characteristics of nanofluids can be a very important factor in many engineering applications. Nanofluids were first introduced by Choi [1]. There have been many experimental, theoretical, and numerical studies in the literature. Since then, the heat transfer characteristics of nanofluids such as thermal conductivity, convection heat transfer coefficient, viscosity, heat transfer enhancement mechanisms, and models for these physical characteristics are being investigated. Even with low concentration of nanoparticle suspension, anomalously high thermal conductivities are obtained. Hence, many experimental and theoretical studies are conducted to investigate the mechanisms of this anomalous heat transfer enhancement. In many experimental studies in the literature, it is observed that the enhancement of the heat transfer coefficient is higher than the thermal conductivity [2]. Then, these additional and complex enhancement mechanisms are also studied and explained theoretically and experimentally by many scientists. Additionally, many numerical simulations are performed to understand the physical mechanisms of the heat transfer enhancement with nanofluids. © 2016 by Taylor and Francis Group, LLC.