Study of ionizing radiation influence on nanofluids aiming for applications in new generations of nuclear reactors

• Grant number: 13/11703-2
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: October 01, 2013
• End date: September 30, 2015
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Nuclear Engineering - Reactor Technologies
• Principal Investigator: Marcelo da Silva Rocha
• Grantee: Marcelo da Silva Rocha
• Host Institution: Instituto de Pesquisas Energéticas e Nucleares (IPEN). Secretaria de Desenvolvimento Econômico (São Paulo - Estado). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated researchers: Adelk de Carvalho Prado ; Ana Cecília de Souza Lima ; Anderson Antonio Ubices de Moraes ; Antonio Belchior Junior ; Delvonei Alves de Andrade ; Eduardo Lobo Lustosa Cabral ; Gaianê Sabundjian ; Gherhardt Ribatski ; Hélio Yoriyaz ; Larissa Otubo ; Tufic Madi Filho

Abstract

This research project aims for to investigate the physical properties of nanofluids with a view to possible application in nuclear reactors. The project consists basically on theoretical and experimental studies with nanofluids that will result in advancement of knowledge about thermophysical properties of nanofluids with and without ionizing radiation influence. Metal oxide based nanofluids as Al2O3, TiO2, BeO, ZrO2, well known as efficient fluids for high heat flux transportation. They have been considered promising fluids for many high technology applications, including nuclear reactors, because their thermophysical properties (mainly thermal conductivity), but your behavior under ionizing radiation influence is not yet well known. With the objective of well understand the ionizing radiation effects on nanofluids, experimental and theoretical analyzes will be carried out for determining some physical properties (thermal conductivity, density, viscosity and surface contact angle), which are directly related to the nanofluids heat transport capacity. The project will rely on partnerships with other national researchers who already have knowledge about nanofluids formed, contributing to the development of this knowledge in national scope. The results of the investigations will be important for the development of knowledge in nanofluids properties under ionizing radiation and the new generations of nuclear reactors. This knowledge will help to make the new nuclear reactors safer, more effective, and contribute to the development of knowledge and training of new researchers in nuclear engineering, and nanotechnology in Brazil. (AU)