Viscoelastic flow through a wavy curved channel

Abstract

Time-dependent flow of a viscoelastic material through a wavy curved channel is studied. The flow traversing the wavy curved domain is modelled in the curvilinear coordinates. The viscoelastic fluid is described by the fluid relaxation and retardation times, and their variations are considered in relation to the flow characteristic time scale. The wavy walls of the curved channels are in sinusoidal form, with arbitrary phase difference. Using domain perturbation technique, the analytical solution of the model is obtained, including the velocity and the volumetric flow rate. The analytical solution is explained as a function of the flow domain structure, the viscoelastic fluid properties, and the flow generating force. Flow enhancement due to the flow domain is discussed; we have shown that the flow augmentation depends on the properties of the viscoelastic fluid. Furthermore, comparisons have been made with Newtonian fluid flow, and the prominent variations in the flow behaviours have been reported.