Recent research led by Nik Eirdhina Binti Nik Salimi from Mazda Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. and the Department of Chemical Engineering at Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS has made significant strides in understanding the behavior of non-Newtonian nanofluids, which are fluids enhanced with nanoparticles to improve their thermal and viscous properties. This study, published in ‘Digital Chemical Engineering,’ focuses on how these nanofluids can be utilized in various applications, including heating and cooling systems, electronics, and transportation, thereby contributing to sustainable manufacturing and industrial ecology.
The research highlights the importance of accurately predicting the viscosity of these fluids, which is crucial for optimizing their flow patterns in practical applications. The team employed four different experimental datasets to predict and validate the effective viscosity of water/ethylene-glycol-based non-Newtonian nanofluids, specifically examining combinations like Fe3O4-Ag/EG and MWCNT-alumina/water-EG.
Using artificial neural networks (ANN) for modeling, the researchers analyzed three key input parameters: particle concentrations, temperatures, and shear rates. The output parameter was the viscosity of the nanofluids. The results showed that the ANN approach outperformed traditional correlation methods, achieving an impressive coefficient of determination (R2) greater than 0.99 across all datasets. In contrast, existing correlations yielded much lower accuracy, with one dataset showing an R2 value as low as 0.72.
Salimi noted, “The precision of the ANN model underscores its potential as a powerful tool for predicting the behavior of nanofluids, which can lead to more efficient designs in thermal applications.” This advancement not only enhances the understanding of nanofluids but also opens up commercial opportunities for industries focused on energy efficiency and thermal management.
The findings from this research can significantly benefit sectors that rely on heat transfer technologies, such as HVAC, automotive, and electronics. By optimizing the performance of nanofluids, companies can improve energy efficiency, reduce operational costs, and contribute to sustainability efforts. As industries increasingly seek innovative solutions to enhance thermal performance, the insights from this study could play a pivotal role in shaping future technologies and applications.
This groundbreaking work emphasizes the potential of artificial intelligence and advanced modeling techniques in engineering, paving the way for smarter, more efficient thermal systems. The implications are clear: as industries continue to prioritize sustainability, the development and application of nanofluids represent a promising avenue for innovation and growth.
