Analysis of Non-Newtonian Fluid Flow through a Conical Duct Based on Bingham Model

In this paper the laminar Bingham fluid flow through a converging conical duct is analyzed. The constitutive law of Bingham fluids is applied to model the yield dependent properties behavior of the fluid. An analytical solution is obtained for the pressure gradient assuming small conical angle of the duct. According to the yield dependent properties of the fluid, a region is developed in the fluid wherein the rate of deformation tensor is zero. This region is called plug region. According to obtained pressure gradient, the plug region is determined. Then, assuming the cylindrical symmetry, the governing equations are solved in cylindrical coordinate system and velocity field is obtained across the duct section. The results obtained in the paper is compared with the experimental data given in the literature search and Fluent numerical solution. The comparison of these two methods shows that the result of current paper is well compared with those given in the literature search. Finally, the effect of parameters such as yield strength and conical angle on velocity field and plug region is investigated.