ISSN:
1531-7331
Source:
Annual Reviews Electronic Back Volume Collection 1932-2001ff
Topics:
Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Production Engineering, Mining and Metallurgy, Traffic Engineering, Precision Mechanics
Notes:
Nanofluids, consisting of nanometer-sized solid particles and fibers dispersed in liquids, have recently been demonstrated to have great potential for improving the heat transfer properties of liquids. Several characteristic behaviors of nanofluids have been identified, including the possibility of obtaining large increases in thermal conductivity compared with liquids without nanoparticles, strong temperature-dependent effects, and significant increases in critical heat flux. Observed behavior is in many cases anomalous with respect to the predictions of existing macroscopic theories, indicating the need for a new theory that properly accounts for the unique features of nanofluids. Theoretical studies of the possible heat transfer mechanisms have been initiated, but to date obtaining an atomic- and microscale-level understanding of how heat is transferred in nanofluids remains the greatest challenge that must be overcome in order to realize the full potential of this new class of heat transfer fluids.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1146/annurev.matsci.34.052803.090621
