Flows of variable-viscosity fluids in ducts with heated walls (Q1093430)

An asymptotically valid analytical solution is presented of the equations governing high Graetz number, high Pearson number, low Nahme number flows of power-law fluids in ducts with heated walls. Thus the flows are developing and the imposed difference between the wall temperature and the entry temperature of the fluid is sufficiently large to cause significant viscosity variations, but temperature differences due to heat generation by viscous dissipation are not. Three different duct geometries are considered: channels, pipes and discs. Estimates are made of the pressure drop, maximum temperature and flow-average temperature rise for flows in each of the geometries.