Abstract
Thermal conductivity measurements of nanofluids were the subject of a considerable amount of published research works. Up to now, the experimental results reported in the current literature are still scarce and show many discrepancies. In this paper we propose measurements of this parameter using another experimental set-up. Because of very good thermal controls and big aspect ratio, the Bénard set-up is particularly well suited to determine the thermal conductivity. The aim of this paper is to detail the experimental measurement protocol. The investigated liquid is composed of single walled carbon nanotubes dispersed in water. The effect of liquid temperature on thermal conductivity was investigated. Obtained results confirm the potential of nanofluids in enhancing thermal conductivity and also show that the thermal conductivity temperature dependence is nonlinear, which is different from the results for metal/metal oxide nanofluids.
Highlights
The nanofluids properties are far from being fully explored but one of them that has attracted much interest in the last decades is their potential to increase heat transfer
Many researchers have identified change in thermophysical properties of solutions when nanoparticles are dispersed [1] and the most important fluid property to be investigated for heat transfer is thermal conductivity
Discrepancy exists in nanofluid thermal conductivity data in the literature and enhancement mechanisms have not been fully understood yet
Summary
The nanofluids properties are far from being fully explored but one of them that has attracted much interest in the last decades is their potential to increase heat transfer. Many researchers have identified change in thermophysical properties of solutions when nanoparticles are dispersed [1] and the most important fluid property to be investigated for heat transfer is thermal conductivity. Discrepancy exists in nanofluid thermal conductivity data in the literature and enhancement mechanisms have not been fully understood yet. Many parameters modify the physicochemical properties of the nanofluid: nanoparticules concentration [2,3,4], nanoparticles dimensions [5], and thermal conduction of the basic fluid [6, 7], and probably other physicochemical parameters are to be considered. The values of thermal conductivity obtained by those techniques on similar nanofluid do not appear to be consistent
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
