Experimental Investigation of Thermal Conductivity through Nanofluids

ABSTRACT: The method used in this experimental work is the Temperature Oscillation Technique (TOT). Thermal conductivity measurement through Temperature Oscillation Technique is to fill the cylinder with the nanofluids, and apply the temperature oscillations at both ends of the cylinder. It measures the phase and amplitude of the temperature oscillation in the center and at both ends of the cylinder. Thermal diffusivity is calculated from the phase and amplitude values. Furthermore, thermal conductivity is calculated from thermal diffusivity values. Nanofluid used in this study is Al2O3. First of all this technique is validated by calculating the thermal conductivity of pure water. After getting the acceptable results, Al2O3 nanoparticles mixed in water (80% water, 20% Al2O3) with the particle size of 20 nm has been used and its thermal conductivity has been calculated. Thermal conductivity data has been compared with other researchers work. The results are very much in acceptable range which is a proof that our experimental setup is well designed and can be used to measure the thermal conductivity and thermal diffusivity very accurately. Keywords: Cylinder, Nanofluids, Aluminum Oxide, Thermal Conductivity, Temperature Oscillation, Thermal Diffusivity. …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………