Simultaneously developing flow and heat transfer of non-Newtonian fluids in equilateral triangular duct

Abstract

A numerical investigation based on the Galerkin finite element method was carried out to solve the full three-dimensional governing equations for simultaneously developing steady laminar flow and heat transfer to a purely viscous non-Newtonian fluid described by a power law model flowing in equilateral triangular ducts. Two commonly used thermal boundary conditions, constant wall temperature (T boundary condition) and constant wall heat flux both axially and peripherally (H2 boundary condition) were examined. It is shown that the Nusselt number distribution along the walls is affected appreciably by the variation of the power law index. Results are presented and discussed for a wide range of power law indices and Prandtl numbers for T and H2 boundary conditions.