Title: Entropy generation due to non-Newtonian flow around a spherical particle at low Reynolds number

Authors: T.F. Ayinde, B.S. Yilbas

Addresses: Mechanical Engineering Department, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Dhahran 31261, Saudi Arabia. ' Mechanical Engineering Department, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Dhahran 31261, Saudi Arabia

Abstract: In the present study, non-Newtonian fluid flow over a spherical particle at low Reynolds numbers (Re<1) is considered. Entropy generation due to fluid friction in the flow field is formulated. The power-law model of non-Newtonian fluid is considered in the analysis to account for the non-Newtonian effect. The influence of the flow parameter (n) on the entropy generation rate is investigated. The entropy generation rate computed for non-Newtonian fluid is compared to that for corresponding Newtonian fluid. It is found that the entropy generation rate is high in the region close to the stagnation points around the spherical particle. The total entropy generation rate increases gradually for 0.5≤n≤1 and as n increases further the total entropy generation rate increases drastically.

Keywords: entropy generation; non-Newtonian flow; Reynolds number; spherical particle.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEX.2004.005113

International Journal of Exergy, 2004 Vol.1 No.2, pp.256 - 267

Published online: 03 Sep 2004 *

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