Numerical investigation on supercritical turbulent heat transfer of copper/n-decane nanofluid inside a miniature tube. (17th December 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Huang, Shizhang; Ruan, Bo; Gao, Xiaowei; Yuan, Zhichao
• Is Part Of: Numerical heat transfer. Volume 72:Number 12(2017)
• Page Start: 921
• Page End: 935
• Publication Date: 2017-12-17
• Subjects: Heat -- Transmission -- Measurement -- Periodicals; Mass transfer -- Measurement -- Periodicals; Numerical analysis -- Periodicals; 621.4022
• DOI: 10.1080/10407782.2017.1412716
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1040-7782

Abstract

ABSTRACT: To evaluate the potential benefits of kerosene-based nanofluids as coolants for regenerative cooling system, a detailed numerical study of the turbulent heat transfer of copper/ n -decane nanofluid flowing inside a miniature cooling tube at supercritical pressures has been conducted. Numerical results reveal that copper nanoparticles can significantly improve heat transfer performance in the entire cooling tube. This can be explained by the fundamental mechanism that within the near-wall turbulent flow region, the reduction of nanofluid kinematic viscosity leads to increased turbulent thermal conductivity and consequently causes heat transfer enhancement. Moreover, heat transfer deterioration phenomenon is delayed or weakened by nanoparticles, and the overall heat transfer performance of the base fluid has been improved. Results indicate potential advantages of kerosene nanofluids as coolants for regenerative engine cooling applications.