Microencapsulated Phase Change Material (MPCM) Suspension: Newtonian or non-Newtonian fluid?

Firstly the classification and advantages of phase change material (PCM) fluid were described. Then the experimental and theoretical studies were reviewed. The influencing factors on the viscosity of the suspensions with solid sphere were listed and discussed. Then a dimensional analysis of viscosity of the suspensions was conducted. The criterion for evaluating on what conditions or MPCM suspension shows Newtonian or non-Newtonian behavior was put forward based on dimensional analysis and viscosity predicting model. The principle on how to keep a suspension behaving Newtonian flow property was proposed and some further research opportunities were presented.