Internal combustion engine relies on its cooling system to take away the excess heat and control the normal operating temperatures of the core components of the combustion chamber and the lubricating oil film

wherein the heat transfer performance of the conventional cooling mediums is generally low. Nanofluids

as the new generation of enhanced heat transfer working medium

has good heat transfer performance

which is ideal for the cooling system of internal combustion engine to use it to enhance heat dissipation and improve thermal management performance. Moreover

because the heat transfer performance of the nanofluids is affected by factors such as the type

size

concentration and shape of the nanoparticles

the heat transfer amount of the cooling water chamber of the internal combustion engine can be controlled by changing these factors. This paper reviews the experimental

theoretical and computer simulation studies conducted by researchers on the thermal conductivity and convective heat transfer performance of nanofluids

as well as the application of nanofluids in enhancing heat transfer of internal combustion engine. Finally

it points out the shortcomings of the current research work

and the future work directions.