Advanced Heat Transfer Fluids

Future NASA instrumentation will require increasingly sophisticated thermal control technology. We propose a next-generation nanofluid that consists of precisely manufactured nanoparticles that are added to existing coolant liquids. Even at very low loading levels, the nanoparticles dramatically increase the thermal conductivity and the critical heat flux of the fluid. Due to their small size, settling, abrasion, and clogging issues are eliminated, enabling the nanofluid to be immediately incorporated into existing thermal cooling systems. Additionally, the antimicrobial activity of nanofluids will provide a safe, non-toxic solution for the elimination of biofouling and biocorrosion from coolant loops.