Non-Newtonian Power-Law Fluid Flow around a Heated Square Bluff Body in a Vertical Channel under Aiding Buoyancy

Abstract

The present study focuses on momentum and heat transfer characteristics of the laminar flow of power-law fluids in a vertical channel with a built-in square cylinder under the influence of aiding buoyancy. The simulations are carried out at low Reynolds numbers (1–40) for the range of settings as power-law index = 0.4–1, Richardson number = 0–1, blockage ratio = 25%–50%, and Prandtl number = 50. It is found that the drag coefficient and the Nusselt number increase with the aiding buoyancy, while the shear-thinning behavior reduces the drag coefficient and increases the heat transfer rate.