Improved parametric characterization of flow geometries

Abstract

Abstract An improved parametric method is presented for characterization of the flow geometry in the rectilinear flow of non‐Newtonian fluids in open and closed conduits of arbitrary crosssection and in purely viscous, inelastic flow of non‐Newtonian fluids through packed beds and porous media. In the new formulation, an infinite number of geometric parameters characterize the flow geometry. The actual number required in a particular application is shown to be determined by the fluid model equation representing the rheological behavior of the fluid. For Ostwald‐de‐Waele and Ellis fluids with flow behavior indices s = 1/n and α integers, the number of geometric parameters required to represent the relationship between flow rate and pressure drop is given by s + 1 and α + 1, respectively. The efficacy of the present method is demonstrated by comparisons with available results for various fluid models and flow geometries.