ISSN:
0271-2091
Keywords:
Non-Newtonian flow
;
FEM vs FDM
;
Duct flow
;
Engineering
;
Engineering General
Source:
Wiley InterScience Backfile Collection 1832-2000
Topics:
Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Production Engineering, Mining and Metallurgy, Traffic Engineering, Precision Mechanics
Notes:
Two numerical methods, the Galerkin finite element method (FEM) and the boundary-fitted co-ordinate transformation method (BFCTM), have been applied to solve inelastic non-Newtonian fluid flow in ducts of irregular cross-section. Three representative fluid models, namely the power-law, the Ellis and the Bingham models, have been analysed. The application of the FEM is straightforward, while for the BFCTM the accurate estimation of viscosity on the duct boundary and the proper mesh adjustment appear to be critical for generating convergent solutions. A detailed comparison of the two numerical methods in terms of volumetric flow rate, axial velocity, shear rate, viscosity and CPU time is given. Both methods can generate accurate solutions of velocity over a wide range of variables, but the FEM requires much less computing time to reach the same level of accuracy. Only the BFCTM can be used to approximate shear rate and viscosity with reasonable accuracy.
Additional Material:
8 Ill.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/fld.1650080707
