Numerical investigation on nanofluids turbulent convection heat transfer inside a circular tube

In this paper, turbulent forced convection flow of water-Al2O3 nanofluid in a circular tube, subjected to a constant and uniform heat flux at the wall, is numerically analyzed. Two different approaches are taken into account: single and two-phase models, with particle diameter equal to 38 nm. It is observed that convective heat transfer coefficient for nanofluids is greater than that of the base liquid. Heat transfer enhancement increases with the particle volume concentration and Reynolds number. Comparisons with correlations present in literature are accomplished and a very good agreement is realized. (C) 2010 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.