Predictions of heat transfer and pressure drop for a modified power law fluid flow in a square duct

Abstract

Numerical Solutions for the Nusselt Numbers (CHF and CWT) and the Friction Factor times Reynolds Number have been obtained for fully developed laminar flow of a MPL (Modified Power Law) fluid within a square duct. The solutions are applicable to pseudoplastic fluids over a wide shear rate range from Newtonian at low shear rates through a transition region to power law behavior at higher shear rates. A shear rate parameter is identified, which allows the prediction of the shear rate range for a specified set of operating conditions. Numerical results of the Nusselt numbers (CHF and CWT) and the Friction factors times Reynolds number for the Newtonian and power law regions are compared with previous published results, showing agreement with 0.02% in Newtonian region and 4.0% in power law region.