Entropy Generation Analysis in Non-Newtonian Fluid Dynamics
Summary
Entropy generation analysis in non-Newtonian fluid dynamics examines the irreversible losses arising from complex rheological behaviour, thermal gradients and viscous dissipation. Unlike Newtonian flows, non-Newtonian fluids exhibit shear-thinning, shear-thickening or viscoelastic responses that alter velocity and temperature fields in ways that challenge conventional thermodynamic optimisation. Entropy production localises preferentially near solid boundaries, in regions of high shear or within microstructured domains, influencing the efficiency of polymer processing, lubrication systems, microfluidic devices and biomedical flows. Recent work combines analytical, numerical and experimental methods to map the interplay between fluid microstructure, heat transfer and magnetic or chemical forcing. By quantifying the relative contributions of frictional heating and conductive heat transfer, researchers aim to identify operational regimes that minimise irreversibility, reduce energy consumption and improve system performance across chemical engineering, materials science and energy conversion technologies.
Research from Nature Portfolio
No recent Nature Portfolio content available.
Entropy Generation Analysis in Non-Newtonian Fluid Dynamics publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in entropy generation analysis in non-newtonian fluid dynamics across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Entropy generation: measure of irreversibility due to heat transfer and viscous effects within a flowing fluid.
Non-Newtonian fluid: fluid whose viscosity depends on shear rate or history, including shear-thinning, shear-thickening and viscoelastic behaviours.
Bejan number: dimensionless ratio quantifying the relative contributions of thermal gradients to total entropy generation.
Viscous dissipation: conversion of kinetic energy into heat due to internal friction within the fluid.
Couple stress fluid: non-Newtonian model incorporating microstructural spin effects, relevant for particulate and colloidal suspensions.
References
- Entropy Generation Optimization in Couple Stress Fluid Flow with Variable Viscosity and Aligned Magnetic Field. Sustainability (2023).
- Second law and entropy generation analysis of magnetized viscous fluid flow over a permeable expandable sheet with nonlinear thermal radiation: Brownian and thermophoresis effect. Advances in Mechanical Engineering (2022).
About these summaries
This Nature Research Intelligence Topic summary is created with the cited references and a large language model. We take care to ground generated text with facts, and have systems in place to gain human feedback on the overall quality of the process in line with our AI principles. We strive to create accurate and useful summaries for people unfamiliar with the research topic and that supports this goal. These pages are a beta release and will be updated as we learn how best to help people gain value from a research topic summary.
Turn complex research questions into confident strategic decisions
When you're under pressure to set direction, justify investment, or understand your competitive position, you need more than raw data — you need trusted insights you can act on.
Benchmark your performance against global peers using robust, methodologically sound analysis.
Combine quantitative metrics with qualitative expert insight to uncover strengths, gaps and emerging opportunities.
Gain tailored, decision-ready recommendations aligned to your strategic priorities.
Talk to us to learn more about our data dashboards and bespoke strategy reports.
Grow research skills, confidence and careers with training built for every stage of the research lifecycle.
Developed with Nature Portfolio journal Editors and internationally renowned experts. Discover three ways to learn:
Self-paced, online courses in convenient bite-sized units, covering key skills across scientific writing, publishing, grant writing, data analysis, and more.
Expert trainer-led workshops with hands-on exercises and real-time feedback across core research skills, delivered via interactive group sessions.
Editor-led workshops combining core principles in writing and publishing, personalised 1:1 feedback from Nature Portfolio Editors and hands-on exercises.
Explore course catalogues and workshop agendas, enquire about the options or request institutional pricing.