Numerical computation of the effects of Brownian motion on the effective thermal conductivity of suspensions

In this paper a numerical scheme based on the immersed boundary method is used to study the motion of nano-sized particles subjected to Brownian motion and heat transfer Our objective is to use this numerical technique as a tool to better understand the effect that Brownian forces have on the overall heat transfer process. The conventional approach to perform Brownian dynamic simulations is based on the use of a random force in the particle motion such that the fluctuation-dissipation theorem is satisfied. Our preliminary computational results suggest an increase in the thermal conductivity of the bulk fluid. Results are presented for several particles in a two-dimensional space.