A generalized Brinkman number for non-Newtonian duct flows

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2009

Authors

P. M. Coelho (Author) FEUP; F. T. Pinho (Author) FEUP

Journal

Title: Journal of Non-Newtonian Fluid Mechanics

Pages: 202-206

ISSN: 0377-0257

Publisher: Elsevier

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 17 Citations

ISI Web of Science

Scopus - 22 Citations

INSPEC

COMPENDEX

Scientific classification

FOS: Engineering and technology > Mechanical engineering

CORDIS: Technological sciences

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-003-NJ2

DOI: 10.1016/j.jnnfm.2008.07.001

Abstract (EN): When viscous dissipation effects are important in duct flows the Brinkman number is widely used to quantify the relationship between the heat generated by dissipation and the heat exchanged at the wall. For Newtonian laminar fully developed pipe flow the use of the classical expression for this dimensionless group is appropriate, but under different conditions it can lead to misleading conclusions, such as when comparing flows through different cross-section ducts, flow regimes and mainly non-Newtonian flows. In this work a generalized Brinkman number is proposed, based on an energy balance for the power dissipated by friction, that allows proper quantification of viscous heating effects and reduces to the classical definition in laminar Newtonian pipe flow. The advantages of the new definition are shown and expressions are given for generalized Brinkman numbers in the most common cases.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific