Heat transfer characteristics in nanofluid-A review

The heat transfer characteristics of current fluids are tremendously improved by suspending nano-sized solid particles with diameter below 100 nm and are considered as prospective working fluids for the applications such as solar collectors, heat pipes, nuclear reactors, electronic cooling systems, automobile radiators etc. The present paper summarizes the current research in the nanofluid studies on convective heat transfer performance, thermo-physical properties, effect of fluid temperature, inlet velocity, use of surfactant for better stability of nanofluids, particle size, and volume concentration effects. The article also suggests the direction for future developments.