The Institute of Marine Engineers (India) Visakhapatnam branch has conducted an online technical meet on the topic “Nano Fluids for Marine Engine Applications” on 22.12.2020 at 1700hrs through Virtual Google meet.
Dr. V. Srinivas, Chairman, BOS, Dept. of Mechanical Engineering, Gitam, Vizag has presented the topic. At the outset Chairman, Mr. V. Lakshmipati Rao, welcomed the members and briefed about the activities of the branch. Hon. Secretary Dr. V. V. S. Prasad introduced the speaker to the members.
Dr. Srinivas explained that “An engine coolant is a heat transfer fluid designed to remove excess heat from an internal combustion engine. Other important application of coolant is to prevent freezing and most importantly protection of engine and radiator components from corrosion.
He further added that in the operation of the I.C engine, only one-third of the heat is converted into crankshaft horsepower. It has been estimated that one – third of the heat generated was expelled through exhaust and 7% radiate directly into atmosphere. About 30% is to be carried away by the cooling system. The amount of heat dissipated by the coolant has risen significantly since exhaust gas recirculation was introduced by several engine manufacturers in 2002 in order to control emissions. In addition to removing heat generated by the fuel combustion, the cooling system must also remove heat generated by other components such as transmission and turbo charger.
Not all fluids are efficient heat transfer materials when employed in the extreme setting as found in a combustion engine. Selection of the proper fluid is influenced by the environment in which the engine is used and the interaction of the fluid with the materials that comprise the engine.
The concept of nanofluids is a fluid containing dispersed nano meter sized solid particles. Compared with the traditional fluids or suspensions containing coarse particles, nanofluids are expected to have superior thermal properties. Nanofluids have been found to possess enhanced thermo physical properties such as thermal conductivity, thermal diffusivity, and viscosity, convective heat transfer coefficients compared to those of base fluids.
Marine automotive engines are prone to corrosion and hence should have additional requirements in terms of corrosion performance. This lecture dwells upon the use of nanofluids for marine engine applications and research involving heat transfer and corrosion performance is presented.
The vote of thanks was given by Mr. Amara Vijayanand Kumar, Vice Chairman, Vizag branch.