Experimental investigation on heat transfer characteristics of magnetic fluid flow around a fine wire under the influence of an external magnetic field

Experimental investigation is conducted to get insight into convective heat transfer features of the aqueous magnetic fluid flow over a fine wire under the influence of an external magnetic field. The convective heat transfer coefficient of the aqueous magnetic fluid flow around the heated wire is measured in both the uniform magnetic field and the magnetic field gradient. The effects of the external magnetic field strength and its orientation on the thermal behaviors of the magnetic fluids are analyzed. The experimental results show that the external magnetic field is a vital factor that affects the convective heat transfer performances of the magnetic fluids and the control of heat transfer processes of a magnetic fluid flow can be possible by applying an external magnetic field. (C) 2008 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.