Rheological Behavior of Non-Newtonian Fluids in Complex Flow Systems
Summary
The flow behaviour of non-Newtonian fluids in complex geometries is fundamental to processes ranging from biomedical devices to energy production. Unlike Newtonian fluids, whose viscosity remains constant, non-Newtonian fluids exhibit shear-thinning, shear-thickening, yield-stress or viscoelastic effects, leading to highly nonlinear responses under varying flow conditions. Insights into their rheological properties are essential for optimising operations such as 3D bioprinting, enhanced oil recovery and polymer processing. Advances in experimental techniques, high-resolution simulations and theoretical modelling have revealed intricate couplings between fluid microstructure and macroscopic flow, enabling predictive control of pressure drops, mixing efficiency and heat transfer in pipes, annuli and porous media under diverse thermal and magnetic constraints.
Research from Nature Portfolio
Studies have investigated magnetohydrodynamic flow of a viscoelastic model over inclined stretching surfaces with simultaneous heat generation or absorption. Key findings show that magnetic field strength reduces momentum boundary-layer thickness, while higher values of thermal radiation elevate temperature profiles. Increasing the Deborah number enhances elastic effects, amplifying flow velocity and skin friction, whereas the Prandtl number modulates heat-transfer rates, influencing local Nusselt numbers. These results offer a robust framework for tuning process parameters in polymer extrusion and cooling technologies where electromagnetic fields and thermal gradients coexist.
Rheological Behavior of Non-Newtonian Fluids in Complex Flow Systems publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in rheological behavior of non-newtonian fluids in complex flow systems across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Rheology: Study of deformation and flow characteristics of materials under applied stresses.
Non-Newtonian fluid: Fluid whose viscosity changes with applied shear rate or stress.
Viscoelasticity: Property combining viscous flow and elastic deformation under stress.
Deborah number: Dimensionless ratio of fluid relaxation time to characteristic process time.
Oldroyd-B fluid: Constitutive model for viscoelastic fluids with both relaxation and retardation effects.
Fractional calculus: Extension of differentiation to non-integer orders, capturing material memory effects.
Magnetohydrodynamics (MHD): Study of fluid flow in electrically conducting media influenced by magnetic fields.
References
- Impact of heat generation/absorption of magnetohydrodynamics Oldroyd-B fluid impinging on an inclined stretching sheet with radiation. Scientific Reports (2020).
- Numerical investigation of fractional Maxwell nano-fluids between two coaxial cylinders via the finite difference approach. Frontiers in Materials (2023).
- Semi Analytical Solutions for Fractional Oldroyd-B Fluid Through Rotating Annulus. IEEE Access (2019).
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