Predicting Thermal Conductivity Enhancement of Al2O3/Water and CuO/Water Nanofluids Using Quantitative Structure-Property Relationship Approach

Abstract

In the current contribution, the authors have applied a quantitative structure-property relationship (QSPR) approach to develop theoretical models of thermal conductivity enhancement in water-based nanofluids (Al2O3 and CuO). The developed models represent physical properties of nanofluids as functions of experimentally measured and calculated descriptors. The developed model for Al2O3 is characterized by determination coefficient R2= 0.876 (training) and R2= 0.826 (test); the model for CuO is characterized by R2 = 0.984 (training) and R2= 0.912 (test). The developed models are in good agreement with modern theories of nanofluids behavior. Size-dependent and concentration-dependent behavior of thermal conductivity of Al2O3 and CuO nanoparticles properties were discussed. The authors found that thermal conductivity increases with increase of weighted fraction-dependent parameters. The developed models have been compared with the existing models for thermal conductivity of Al2O3 and CuO water-based nanofluids.