Numerical method for non-newtonian fluids with high viscosity. Numerical analysis for the unsteady three-dimensional flow of power-law fluids.

Abstract

A numerical method using a mixed finite element approach has been developed to analyze the unsteady three-dimensional flow of power-law fluids with high viscosity. Based on the Fractional Step method and the Rational Runge-Kutta method (RRK method), the new method consists of a semiexplicit scheme with unconditional numerical stability for pseudoplastic fluids, with power indices 0<n≤1. The numerical results were compared with theoretical results for velocity and pressure profiles of unsteady power-law fluid flow between parallel plates.