Heat transfer enhancement by magnetic nanofluids—A review

Magnetic nanofluids (MNF) constitute a special class of nanofluids that exhibit both magnetic and fluid properties. The interests in the use of MNF as a heat transfer medium stem from a possibility of controlling its flow and heat transfer process via an external magnetic field. This review presents recent developments in this field with the aim of identifying major affecting parameters and some novel applications. This review emphasizes on thermal conductivity enhancement and thermomagnetic convection in devices using MNFs as heat transfer media.