Convection in ferro-nanofluids: experiments and theory. Physical mechanisms, flow patterns, and heat transfer (Q721295)

The monograph is based on the results of experimental and theoretical studies of hydrodynamic stability and heat and mass transfer processes in ferrofluids (also known as ferrocolloids or ferro-nanofluids) that the authors have been involved with over the past several decades. The growing interest in the use of magnetically controllable media as heat carriers in various thermal management systems was the main motivation for the studies. From a fundamental point of view, the book considers an intricate interaction of non-isothermal and electrically non-conducting magneto-polarisable fluid with gravitational and magnetic fields. The monograph consists of six chapters: Chapter~1. Ferrofluids. Composition and physical processes. Applications of ferrofluids as advanced heat carrier media in heat management systems are emphazised. It is discussed that in the absence of a magnetic field, ferrofluids can be considered as a type of synthesized nanofluids or ordinary colloids. However, when they are placed in an external magnetic field, they behave as magneto-polarisable media, the magnetic susceptibility of which is several orders of magnitude larger than that of natural fluids and gases. Various physical mechanisms of heat and mass transfer in ferrofluids are identified. Chapter~2. Governing equations. The equations describing flows of non-isothermal ferrofluids and the corresponding boundary conditions are summarized. The main physical assumptions under which these equations are valid are discussed, and references to further reading are given. The constitutive equations for ferrofluid magnetisation are also reviewed. It is emphasized that commonly used Langevin's magnetization law may be inaccurate in the case of non-isothermal fluids, and thus the second-order modified mean-field model is preferred. Chapter~3. Theory of thermogravitational and thermomagnetic convection in an infinite vertical layer of homogeneous ferrofluid. Results of hydrodynamic stability analysis of non-isothermal ferrofluid flow arising beetwen two parallel infinite plates maintained at different temperatures and placed in an uniform external magnetic field of various orientations are discussed. Chapter~4. Experimental methodology. The methodology of experimental investigation of thermogravitational and thermomagnetic convection in ferrofluids is discussed. The necessary physical conditions for observation of ferromagnetic convection in external uniform magnetic field are identified. The methods of registering heat fluxes and visualizing convection flow patterns in nontransparent ferrofluids are disussed. Chapter~5. Experimental investigation of thermogravitational convection in ferrofluids. Specific features of thermogravitational instability and thermogravitational flows arising in ferrofluids are discussed. It is shown that, in contrast to ordinary fluids, the characteristics of convection setting in ferrofluids depend on a history of its storage and conditions of the experiment. It is found to be due to a complex composition of ferrocolloids containing carrier fluid, solid particles, their aggregates and surfactant that make them essentially multiphase systems. The results of a comprehensive experimental study of convective heat transfer and flow patterns arising in such fluids when they are non-uniformly heated are presented. Chapter~6. Experimental investigation of thermomagnetic convection in ferrofluids. The thermomagnetic mechanism of convection is considered at various orientations of the applied uniform magnetic field with respect to the temperature gradient and of the fluid layer with respect to the gravity. Its interaction with the thermogravitational mechanism is discussed. Experimental maps of stability convection-free states are obtained. Heat transfer in a magnetic field is studied as a function of fluid properties and experimental control parameters. Chapter~7. Concluding remarks. A brief summary of the book is presented. Doubtless, the monograph will be useful for postgraduate students of world leading universities as well as of interest to researches and practitioners working in the area of fluid mechanics, hydrodynamic stability and heat and mass transfer with the view of perspective applications of ferrofluids in heat management systems, in particular, in microelectronics and space technologies. Note. There is a confusion in the titles of Chapters 3, 5 and 6 declared in the contents (page xi) and really presented in the book. The correct titles of the mentioned chapters are given in the review.