Thermal conductivity of poly-alpha-olefin (PAO)-based nanofluids

Date of Award

2010

Degree Name

M.S. in Chemical Engineering

Department

Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering

Advisor/Chair

Advisor: Kevin J. Myers

Abstract

In this thesis the thermal conductivity of poly-alpha-olefin (PAO) based nanofluids is investigated. Three techniques to determine thermal conductivity-- the Laser Flash, the Transient Plane Source, and the Transient Hot Wire -- are evaluated. The influence of temperature and nanoparticle concentration and shape on thermal conductivity enhancement is evaluated. Models to predict this enhancement are classified and evaluated following a set of criteria proposed by the author. The nanofluids tested were aluminum oxide / PAO and MWCNT / PAO. It was found that the transient hot wire technique is the most accurate and precise of the three tested. It was also found that concentration enhances thermal conductivity beyond what Hamilton and Crosser's model predicted. No impact of temperature was detected. The influence of shape was weaker than predicted by Hamilton and Crosser's model. This model, modified to include the influence of clustering, was found to be satisfactory.

Keywords

Nanofluids Thermal conductivity Testing, Nanofluids Density Testing

Rights Statement

Copyright © 2010, author

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