The influence of the alternating magnetic field on the convective heat transfer properties of Fe3O4-containing nanofluids through the Neel and Brownian mechanisms

In the current investigation, magnetite nanoparticles were prepared via solvothermal technique for further application as nanofluid in heat transfer studies. Various analytical techniques were used to fully characterize the nanoparticles and/or nanofluids. The results showed that the heat transfer properties of the examined magnetite nanofluids based on various concentrations of water and ethylene glycol were significantly enhanced under the influence of an alternating magnetic field. These findings were rationalized by the use of hyperthermia principle base on which Neel and/or Brownian mechanisms; corresponding to internal and/or external frictions, respectively, may lead to heat generation, and then, the increase of the mean heat transfer coefficients. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.