Evaluation of thermal performance for water-based SiO2 nanofluids

In this paper, previous experimental data of thermal conductivity and viscosity of water-based SiO2 nanofluids are summarized and the thermal performances of those nanofluids are assessed. As a criterion of thermal performance of nanofluids, the performance factor is defined under laminar flow condition. Moreover, to organize the experimental data in a consistent manner, the experimental data of thermal conductivities and viscosities of water-based SiO2 nanofluids are summarized in accordance with the data reduction methodology presented in this paper and those results are classified according to the SiO2 nanoparticle manufacturers. Based on the established criterion and summarized experimental database, the thermal performance of water-based SiO2 nanofluids is evaluated according to the nanoparticle manufacturers and their ranking is presented. As a result, it is expected that the results of this paper will be helpful to select proper SiO2 nanofluids in the practical applications.