04-03-2010, 11:51 AM
NANOFLUIDS FOR HIGH PERFORMANCE COOLING SYSTEM
ABSTRACT
Downscaling or miniaturization has been a recent major trend in modern science and technology. Engineers now fabricate microscale devices such as micro channel heat exchangers, and micro pumps that are the size of dust specks. Further major advances would be obtained if the coolant flowing in the micro channels were to contain nanoscale particles to enhance heat transfer. Nanofluid technology will thus be an emerging and exciting technology of the 21stcentury. This paper gives a brief history of the Advanced Fluids Program at Argonne National Laboratory (ANL), discusses the concept of nanofluids, and provides an overview of the R&D program at ANL on the production, property characterization~ and performance of nanofluids. It also describes examples of potential applications and benefits of nanofluids. Finally, future research on the fundamentals and applications of nanofluids is addressed.
