Simulation of Non Newtonian Power-Law Fluid Flows and Mixed Convection Heat Transfer inside of Curved Duct

Abstract

A two-dimensional numerical simulation is carried out to understand the combined effects of thermal buoyancy strength and rheological flow behavior of non Newtonian power-law fluids on laminar flow and heat transfer rate through a 180° curved duct. The governing equations including the full Navier-Stokes, the continuity and the energy are solved using the commercial code ANSYS-CFX. The numerical results are presented and discussed for the range of conditions as: Re = 40 to 1000, Ri = 0 to 1 and n = 0.4 to 1.2 for fixed value of Prandt number of Pr = 1. In order to analyze the obtained results, the representative streamlines and isotherm patterns are presented. The average Nusselt number of the inner and outer walls of duct is computed to determine the role of Reynolds number, Richardson number and power-law index on flow and heat transfer. It is found that increase in Richardson number creates alternative vortices on duct walls. Moreover, the alternative vortices enhance the heat transfer rate for shear thinning, Newtonian and shear thickening fluids.