A new effective viscosity model for nanofluids

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a novel model for predicting the effective viscosity of nanofluids. At present, no unified model exists for the same.

Design/methodology/approach

The present effective viscosity model draws upon the regression analysis of carefully selected published papers covering experimental, numerical and theoretical findings.

Findings

Unlike some other models, this one is reliable and has a good level of accuracy. This model has been assessed in a numerical investigation using a 3D horizontal pipe, and the results are presented.

Originality/value

This is a new model for predicting the effective viscosity of nanofluids. The proposed model has been tested in a 3D horizontal pipe, and the predicted results for viscosity and Nusselt number show good agreement with the available data.

Citation

Etaig, S., Hasan, R. and Perera, N. (2018), "A new effective viscosity model for nanofluids", International Journal of Numerical Methods for Heat & Fluid Flow, Vol. 28 No. 3, pp. 571-583. https://doi.org/10.1108/HFF-11-2016-0462