Heat Transfer and Entropy Generation in Vibrational Flow: Newtonian vs. Inelastic Non-Newtonian Fluid

A computational method is employed to solve heat transfer and entropy generation within a circular pipe. The thermal boundary condition assumes a constant wall temperature, while viscosity is taken to be dependent on temperature. A power-law type shear-thinning fluid is utilized in the analysis, with sinusoidal vibration applied horizontally perpendicular to the flow direction. Temperature distributions across the pipe are illustrated. Additionally, the entropy generation rate over the entire fluid volume under vibration was examined, comparing the results between steady flow and vibrational flow for both types of fluids. It was found that radial mixing is more pronounced in non-Newtonian fluids as vibration increases the strain rate, which is higher for low Reynolds numbers.  The research provides a quantitative analysis of heat transfer and entropy generation for both Newtonian and shear-thinning fluids at different Reynolds numbers. It was observed that the effectiveness of superimposed vibrational flow is limited, especially for low Reynolds numbers and flow behavior index characteristic of shear-thinning fluids.

Keywords:

Laminar flow , Power-law fluid , Heat transfer coefficient , Bejan number , Thermal entropy generation