Evaluation of thermal performance for water-based SiO2 nanofluids

In this paper, previous experimental data of thermal conductivity and viscosity of water-based SiO₂ nanofluids are summarized and the thermal performances of those nanofluids are assessed. As a criterion of thermal performance of nanofluids, the performance factor is defined under laminar flow condition. Moreover, to organize the experimental data in a consistent manner, the experimental data of thermal conductivities and viscosities of water-based SiO₂ nanofluids are summarized in accordance with the data reduction methodology presented in this paper and those results are classified according to the SiO₂ nanoparticle manufacturers. Based on the established criterion and summarized experimental database, the thermal performance of water-based SiO₂ nanofluids is evaluated according to the nanoparticle manufacturers and their ranking is presented. As a result, it is expected that the results of this paper will be helpful to select proper SiO₂ nanofluids in the practical applications.