Topological characteristics of obstacles and nonlinear rheological fluid flow in presence of insulated fins: A fluid force reduction study

Abstract

In this work, a comprehensive study of fluid forces and thermal analysis of two-dimensional, laminar, and incompressible complex (power law, Bingham, and Herschel-Bulkley) fluid flow over a topological cross-sectional cylinder (square, hexagon, and circle) in channel have been computationally done by using finite element technique. The characteristics of nonlinear flow for varying ranges of power law index 0.4≤n≤1.6, Bingham number 0≤Bn≤50, Prandtl number 0.7≤Pr≤10, Reynolds number 10≤Re≤50, and Grashof number 1≤Gr≤10 have been examined. Considerable evaluation for thermal flow field in the form of dimensionless velocity profile, isotherms, drag and lift coefficients, and average Nusselt number (Nuavg) is done. Also, for a range of Bn, the drag forces reduction is observed for circular and hexagonal obstacles in comparison with the square cylinder. At Bn=0 corresponding to Newtonian fluid, maximum reduction in drag force is reported.