Incompressible Non-Newtonian Fluid Flows

A non-Newtonian fluid is a fluid whose flow properties differ in many ways from those of Newtonian fluids. Most commonly the viscosity of non-Newtonian fluids is not independent of shear rate or shear rate history. In practice, many fluid materials exhibits non-Newtonian fluid behavior such as: salt solutions, molten, ketchup, custard, toothpaste, starch suspensions, paint, blood, and shampoo etc. In a Newtonian fluid, the relation between the shear stress and the shear rate is linear, passing through the origin, the constant of proportionality being the coefficient of viscosity. In a non-Newtonian fluid, the relation between the shear stress and the shear rate is different, and can even be time-dependent. Therefore a constant coefficient of viscosity cannot be defined. In the previous parts of this book, the mechanics of Newtonian fluid have been mentioned. In this chapter, the common rheological models of non-Newtonian fluids are introduced and several approaches concerned with non-Newtonian fluid flows are considered. In addition, the solution of common non-Newtonian fluid flows in a circular pipe, annular and rectangular duct are presented.