Convective heat transfer of nanofluid flow through conduits with different cross-sectional shapes

This study investigates the laminar forced convective heat transfer of TiO2/water nanofluids through conduits with different cross sections, experimentally. The effects of different parameters, such as cross-sectional shape, Reynolds number, and concentration of nanoparticles, on the enhanced heat transfer are examined by designing and assembling an experimental apparatus. Results show that adding a small amount of nanoparticles to the base fluid improves heat transfer behavior in conduits. A conduit with a circular cross section performs better than conduits with square and triangular cross sections. However, conduits with square and triangular cross sections exhibit more relative enhancements than a conduit with a circular cross section.