Theoretical Analysis of Evaporation Heat Transfer in the Thin-Film Region of Nanofluids

Abstract

A significantly higher heat transfer coefficient can be achieved through thin-film evaporation. Nanofluids also have significant enhancements in heat transfer. In the current investigation, based on the principle of conservation of momentum and the Young-Laplace equation, considering the effects of bulk flow and nanofluids concentration variation, a mathematical model of evaporative heat transfer of nanofluids is established. The different performances of different concentrations of nanofluids in the thin film evaporation heat transfer process are discussed. The results show that with the change of nanofluids concentration, the surface tension, dynamic viscosity, thermal conductivity and density will be changed, and surface tension plays an important role in the thin film evaporation heat transfer process. That will lead to a significant effect on the thin-film profile, interface temperature, heat flux in the thin-film region of the nanofluids.