Measurement of Specific Heat of Nanofluids

Abstract

This article reports an experiment on specific heat measurement of nanofluids using a calorimeter of the comparison type. The measurement is based on a differential thermal analysis technique. The studied TiO2 and Al2O3 nanoparticles are dispersed in base fluids which are pure water and a mixture of ethylene glycol/water (20/80 wt.%). Concentrations between 0 and 8 vol.% and temperatures are between 15 and 65 degrees C. Results show that the measured specific heat of nanofluids is lower than that of the base liquid decreases as the particle concentrations increases. Furthermore, the specific heat of nanofluids was found to increase with increasing temperatures. When compared with predicted values from existing correlations and data reported by other researchers, measurements are compatible with the prediction from the thermal equilibrium model presented by Xuan and Roetzel. Finally, new correlations are proposed for predicting the specific heat of Al2O3 and TiO2 nanofluids.