Heat transfer enhancement of copper nanofluid with acoustic cavitation

Heat transfer characteristics of copper nanofluids with and, without acoustic cavitation were investigated experimentally. The effects of such factors as acoustical parameters, nanofluid concentration and fluid subcooling on heat transfer enhancement around a heated horizontal copper tube were discussed in detail. The results indicated that the copper nanoparticles and acoustic cavitation had profound and significant influence on heat transport in the fluid. The addition of copper nanoparticles did not change the dependence of heat transfer on acoustic cavitation and fluid subcooling. The mechanism of heat transfer enhancement of the nanofluids was analyzed. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.