Experimental observations of flow modifications in nanofluid boiling utilizing particle image velocimetry

In order to understand the effects of nanofluids upon boiling, pool boiling experiments involving both pure water and water based nanofluids were investigated. Point temperature and full velocity field measurements were obtained during pool boiling conditions using state-of-the-art dynamic particle image velocimetry (DPIV). Specifically, results of nanofluid's effect upon nucleate boiling heat transfer are investigated, in an effort to find engineering solutions in critical applications such as nuclear energy. A change in the hydrodynamic behavior of bubbles was observed with the introduction of nanoparticles. The measured velocity fields exhibited different fluid behavior for the various cases investigated which in turn highlights the complexity of the fluid flow in the pool boiling experiment. The results show a relation between wall temperature and nanofluid concentration.