Numerical investigation of the effective thermal conductivity of nano-fluids using the lattice Boltzmann model

The lattice Boltzmann model is proposed for numerical modeling of energy transport inside nano-fluids. Firstly, the lattice Boltzmann model is briefly introduced. Secondly, a lattice Boltzmann model for simulating nano-fluids is described. Finally, results from calculations for the effective thermal conductivity of nano-fluids are presented and compared with theoretical and experimental results. The numerical results on the effective thermal conductivity of investigated nano-fluids are found to be in good agreement with both the theoretical and the experimental data.

► The lattice Bolzmann model has been used for energy transport inside nanofluids.
► Predictions of the thermal conductivity of nanofluids with the LB model are close to experimental data.
► Nanoparticles suspended in fluids give rise to enhancement of the thermal conductivity.